The Golden State Warriors shooting guard was born in London of Nigerian parents and Britain's coach Chris Finch had hoped to include him in the squad for the European Championships in Poland alongside other NBA stars Luol Deng and Ben Gordon from the Chicago Bulls and Pops Mensah-Bonsu from the Toronto Raptors.

 

The event is part of Britain's preparations for London 2012.

 

But the Government have decided that he is not eligible for a British passport because his Nigerian parents never ever had UK citizenship and Azubuike left the country while he was still a baby.

 

The Home Office had also turned him down in December 2007 when he had first applied.

 

British Basketball are set to appeal again against the decision because they are keen to include the 25-year-old Azubuike in their plans.

 

The 6ft 5in Azubuike signed a $9 million (£6 million) three-year contract with the Warriors last July and has enjoyed an outstanding season with 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 74 games.