Nigeria’s Under-18 Boys Basketball Team delivered a commanding performance at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U18 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, completing an unbeaten campaign to emerge champions and secure an automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.

The young Nigerian side showcased remarkable quality, discipline and attacking brilliance throughout the tournament, winning all four of their matches in emphatic fashion between July 4 and 11 to stamp their authority as the best team in Zone 3.

Nigeria opened their campaign with a resounding 96-35 victory over Benin before overpowering hosts Burkina Faso 98-54 in their second fixture. They continued their dominance in the return fixtures, thrashing Benin 101-43 before rounding off a flawless tournament with another convincing 100-54 triumph over Burkina Faso.

The impressive performances ensured Nigeria finished as undisputed Zone 3 champions, earning a place at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship scheduled to hold in Côte d’Ivoire from August 3 to 16, 2026.

Nigeria’s qualification marks another significant milestone for the country’s basketball development programme, as the male team joins the nation’s U18 Female Team, which had earlier secured its own automatic qualification ticket for the continental championship. The achievement means Nigeria will be represented in both the men’s and women’s categories at Africa’s premier youth basketball competition.

Reacting to the outstanding accomplishment, , President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), praised the team’s exceptional performances and attributed the success to the collective commitment of the Federation’s leadership.

According to Kida, the victory reflects the “all-hands-on-deck attitude” of every member of the NBBF Board, reiterating the Federation’s commitment to strengthening grassroots basketball development across the country.

“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,” he stated.

Also commending the team’s remarkable outing, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), encouraged the players to remain focused on their development and continue striving for excellence.

Drawing inspiration from Nigerian basketball greats, Olopade reminded the youngsters that legends are nurtured through proper planning, sustained development and commitment.

“You should continue to develop your game. Olumide Oyedeji and Akeem Olajuwon were born already. As we speak, Sarah Ogoke is born already. All we need to do is to monitor their progress and plan for them,” he said.

The Federation also acknowledged the support of Mr. Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, who visited the Nigerian contingent in Ouagadougou during the qualifiers. He emphasised the importance of stronger private sector involvement in the development of basketball in Nigeria, urging corporate organisations and stakeholders to complement the Federation’s efforts through strategic investment in the sport.

With both Nigeria’s male and female U18 teams successfully booking their places at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, expectations are high that the country will build on its impressive performances in Ouagadougou and mount a strong challenge for continental honours in Côte d’Ivoire.

The outstanding qualification campaign further reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging basketball powerhouses and underlines the effectiveness of sustained investment in youth talent development as the nation continues to produce players capable of competing on the continental and global stage.

Isaac Zaza
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