The Senegal women's basketball team trains at home after America denied travel documents to 12 players and staff members. The squad practiced Wednesday at Marius Ndiaye arena in Dakar instead of traveling to the United States for preparation sessions. Team officials had planned a 10-day training camp with their American head coach before next month's tournament. The visa rejections came as President Donald Trump's administration tightens border controls across multiple countries. Senegal appears on a list of 36 nations that might face expanded travel restrictions.
Captain Yacine Diop said the situation does not look good for America but remains beyond the team's control. The players wore their green uniforms during morning drills on the court as traffic moved past the stadium. Assistant coach Madiene Fall told reporters the team must adapt to the changed circumstances. He pointed out that the squad won silver medals at the 2023 tournament after training in Senegal rather than abroad. The team has placed first or second in eight of the past 10 continental championships.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko canceled the American training trip after learning about the visa problems. He praised China for supporting Senegalese athletes and criticized Washington's decision. Local newspapers covered the diplomatic dispute with prominent headlines about the basketball controversy. Real estate agent Diene Bacar Diouf expressed confusion about America's visa policy toward a partner nation. The State Department declined to discuss individual cases due to privacy rules.
Captain Yacine Diop said the situation does not look good for America but remains beyond the team's control. The players wore their green uniforms during morning drills on the court as traffic moved past the stadium. Assistant coach Madiene Fall told reporters the team must adapt to the changed circumstances. He pointed out that the squad won silver medals at the 2023 tournament after training in Senegal rather than abroad. The team has placed first or second in eight of the past 10 continental championships.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko canceled the American training trip after learning about the visa problems. He praised China for supporting Senegalese athletes and criticized Washington's decision. Local newspapers covered the diplomatic dispute with prominent headlines about the basketball controversy. Real estate agent Diene Bacar Diouf expressed confusion about America's visa policy toward a partner nation. The State Department declined to discuss individual cases due to privacy rules.
