Nigeria’s Under-18 boys’ basketball team has qualified for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket after an impressive unbeaten run at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The team dominated the tournament, held from July 4 to 11, winning all four matches convincingly to emerge Zone 3 champions and secure an automatic ticket to the continental championship scheduled for August 3 to 16, 2026, in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria began their campaign with a commanding 96–35 win over Benin, followed by a 98–54 victory against hosts Burkina Faso. They continued their dominance with a 101–43 triumph over Benin and sealed their flawless run with a 100–54 win against Burkina Faso.
The qualification means both Nigeria’s male and female Under-18 teams will feature at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, after the girls’ team had earlier secured their spot.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Ahmadu Musa Kida, commended the players for their outstanding performance, attributing the success to collective dedication within the federation. He reaffirmed the NBBF’s commitment to strengthening grassroots basketball and enhancing Nigeria’s global standing in the sport.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, also praised the team and urged the players to remain focused on their development. He encouraged them to emulate Nigeria’s basketball greats, highlighting the importance of structured development and long-term planning.
The federation further acknowledged the support of Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who visited the team during the qualifiers and called for increased private sector investment in basketball development.
With both teams now qualified, the NBBF says attention will shift to preparations for the AfroBasket tournament, as Nigeria aims for a strong outing in Côte d’Ivoire.