The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced a comprehensive preparation programme for the country’s U18 Boys’ and Girls’ National Teams ahead of the 2026 FIBA U18 Africa Championships.
The schedule underscores the Federation’s commitment to identifying, developing, and preparing the next generation of Nigerian basketball talent from both domestic leagues and the diaspora.
Preparations will commence with nationwide tryouts scheduled for June 6 and 7 in Benin City, Lagos, and Abuja, where coaches and scouts will assess emerging prospects for both teams.
The U18 Boys’ team will then enter a local training camp from June 19 to July 2 before heading to Burkina Faso for the FIBA U18 Zone 3 Qualifiers, which will take place from July 4 to 12.
To ensure a broader talent pool, the NBBF will also stage a diaspora evaluation camp in Chicago, United States, from July 24 to 26, providing eligible overseas-based Nigerian players an opportunity to stake their claim for selection.
All shortlisted players will subsequently assemble in Côte d’Ivoire from July 27 to August 2 for a final joint preparation camp before the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Finals, scheduled to run from August 3 to 16.
NBBF President, Ahmadu Musa Kida, said the programme reflects the Federation’s long-term vision for youth basketball development.
The future of Nigerian basketball lies in the development of our young athletes. This programme is designed to identify talent across Nigeria, provide opportunities for our diaspora players, and ensure our teams are fully prepared to compete on the continental stage,” Kida said.
According to the Federation, the initiative aims to expand grassroots talent identification, create pathways for internationally based Nigerian players, strengthen team cohesion, and reinforce Nigeria’s youth development structure for sustained success on the continental stage.
NBBF U18 National Team Schedule
- June 6–7: Local Tryouts (Benin City, Lagos & Abuja)
- June 19–July 2: U18 Boys’ Local Preparation Camp
- July 4–12: FIBA U18 Zone 3 Qualifiers (Burkina Faso)
- July 19–27: Local Players’ Training Camp
- July 24–26: Diaspora Evaluation Camp (Chicago, USA)
- July 27–August 2: Final Joint Preparation Camp (Côte d’Ivoire)
- August 3–16: FIBA U18 AfroBasket Finals (Côte d’Ivoire)
