The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced the commencement of its U18 Boys National Team Pre-Selection Camp as preparations intensify for the upcoming FIBA Africa U18 Zone 3 Qualifiers in Burkina Faso, Trybal News reports.
The camp is scheduled to take place from June 24 to July 3, 2026, at the Indoor Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State. A total of 28 players selected through a nationwide scouting and evaluation process have been invited to participate in the exercise under the supervision of head coach Ikima Michael and his technical crew.
The pre-selection camp forms a crucial part of Nigeria’s preparations for the continental qualifiers, with players expected to compete for places in the final squad that will represent the country.
As part of its broader talent identification and development strategy, the NBBF will also conduct a United States Training Camp and Talent Evaluation Program in Chicago from July 23 to 25, 2026. The initiative is designed to assess eligible Nigerian diaspora players and potentially integrate them into the national team setup.
Following both evaluation exercises, selected players from Nigeria and the diaspora will converge for a Final Joint Preparation Camp in Côte d’Ivoire from July 27 to August 3. The camp will serve as the final phase of preparation ahead of the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, which is scheduled to take place from August 3 to 16.
NBBF President, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to grassroots basketball development and sustainable talent identification. He emphasized the importance of creating structured pathways that enable young Nigerian players to progress from youth basketball to the highest levels of the sport.
National Teams General Manager, Musa Adamu, described the camp as a significant opportunity for the invited athletes, noting that each player earned their invitation through strong performances and demonstrated potential.
The camp will not only determine Nigeria’s representatives for the Zone 3 qualifiers in Burkina Faso but will also contribute to our long-term objective of building a strong and sustainable national team pipeline,” Adamu said.
Invited Players
The invited players include Onyeka Donald, Chinweuba Chibuike Luke, Isulsu Ohizemed Richard, Onime Victor, Anyaorah Lucky Kosiso, Aribo Olakunle Andrew, Godswill Akunebu, Salawu Damilare, John Isaiah, Asimolowo Kehinde, Okechi Kelvin Chinonso, Victor Emeka Nwafor, Kayode Olakunle, Chukwunweike Fortune, Utaluna Daniel Alhaji, Agidingbadu Wasiu, Diga Bethel, Abraham Sumbo, Ola Promise, Ogaierialchi Osadebamuden, Noubuist Emmanuel, Idornigie Emmanuel, Ali Yahula Musa, Unekwe Ekene Thankgod, Adeeko Ayomide John, Muhammed Enyo Abubakar, Purami Dickson and Attah James Harrison.
With the qualifiers approaching, the Benin City camp is expected to provide a platform for Nigeria’s brightest young basketball prospects to showcase their abilities as the country seeks qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship.
