Nigeria U18 Boys Storm AfroBasket After Unbeaten Zone 3 Triumph

Nigeria’s Under-18 boys’ basketball team has secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket after an outstanding unbeaten campaign at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The Nigerian side dominated the tournament from 4 to 11 July, winning all four of their matches in emphatic fashion to emerge Zone 3 champions and claim an automatic ticket to the continental championship, scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from 3 to 16 August 2026.

The team opened their campaign with a commanding 96-35 victory over Benin before overpowering hosts Burkina Faso 98-54. They then completed a double over Benin with a 101-43 triumph and rounded off their flawless run by defeating Burkina Faso 100-54.

Nigeria’s qualification means both the men’s and women’s Under-18 teams will compete at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket after the female side had earlier secured automatic qualification.

President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, praised the players for their exceptional performances, describing the triumph as the product of collective commitment within the federation.

He said the NBBF remained committed to strengthening grassroots basketball development and sustaining Nigeria’s growing reputation on the international stage.

“The NBBF shall continue to lubricate the fan belts of the talent production factories of the game in Nigeria. Our focus remains on improving Nigeria’s growing global status, with greater emphasis on grassroots basketball development,” Kida said.

Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, also congratulated the team and urged the players to remain focused on their development.

He encouraged the youngsters to emulate the achievements of Nigerian basketball greats, stressing the importance of proper monitoring and long-term planning to help them fulfil their potential.

The federation also acknowledged the support of the Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who visited the team during the qualifiers in Ouagadougou.

Iza called for increased private sector investment in Nigerian basketball, urging corporate organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the NBBF in developing the sport across the country.

With both the men’s and women’s teams now qualified for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, the NBBF says its attention will shift to preparing strongly for the continental championship as Nigeria targets success in Côte d’Ivoire.