Nigeria’s U18 boys national team secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket after completing an unbeaten run at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Trybal News reports.
The Nigerians finished top of the standings with four wins from four games to claim the Zone 3 title and an automatic place at the continental championship scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from 3-16 August 2026.
Nigeria opened its campaign with a commanding 96-35 victory over Benin Republic before defeating hosts Burkina Faso 98-54 in its second outing.
The team maintained its dominance in the return fixtures, recording a 101-43 win against Benin Republic and rounding off the tournament with a 100-54 victory over Burkina Faso.
The qualification ensures that both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s U18 teams will be represented at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket after the female team had earlier secured its place at the tournament.
Nigeria Basketball Federation President, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, praised the collective effort that contributed to the successful campaign and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to youth basketball development.
The NBBF shall continue to lubricate the fan belts of the talent production factories of the game in Nigeria,” Kida said.
Our focus remains on improving Nigeria’s growing status in global basketball through sustained investment in grassroots development and talent nurturing.”
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the players and encouraged them to remain focused on their development.
You should continue to develop your game,” Olopade said.
Olumide Oyedeji and Hakeem Olajuwon were once young players with dreams and potential. The next generation of Nigerian basketball stars already exists, and our responsibility is to identify them, monitor their progress and provide the right opportunities for growth.”
The federation also acknowledged the support of XEJet Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who visited the Nigerian delegation in Ouagadougou during the competition.
Iza highlighted the importance of private sector participation in the development of basketball in Nigeria and called on corporate organisations and stakeholders to support the growth of the sport through strategic investment.
Having swept through the Zone 3 qualifiers without defeat, Nigeria will now turn its attention to preparations for Côte d’Ivoire 2026, where it will look to convert regional dominance into continental success.
