Media Team
Veteran sports analyst Charles Anazodo has condemned the South African Consulate in Lagos for rejecting visa applications from 14 members of Remo Stars Football Club ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League clash.
The Nigerian side’s travel arrangements for their second-leg encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns descended into chaos after authorities delayed processing travel documents for nearly half the squad.
Reports from Sports Village Square reveal that despite submitting visa requests well in advance on October 10—nine days before their home fixture—only 11 applications were approved initially. The consulate later cleared just 12 players from the final 26-man squad following intense negotiations.
The bureaucratic hurdles forced Remo Stars to scrap prearranged flights with Air Tanzania and cancel accommodation bookings in South Africa, significantly disrupting their championship preparations.
Anazodo blasted the decision as discriminatory and damaging to continental football’s credibility, highlighting the stark contrast with Mamelodi Sundowns’ smooth entry into Nigeria for the first leg.
In a scathing social media post, he wrote: “Another shameful chapter in Africa’s football governance. What justification exists for denying visas to competitive athletes when all documentation was properly filed? This selective approval—only 12 players cleared from 26—reeks of deliberate obstruction.
“While South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns encountered zero issues entering Nigeria, our team faces this absurd roadblock. CAF must investigate such prejudicial actions that undermine fair competition.
“Professional clubs like Remo Stars deserve respect, not bureaucratic sabotage that tarnishes our continent’s sporting spirit.”
