By Jude Opara
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Kida, has congratulated the country’s U-18 Boys National Team on qualifying for the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Championship after emerging champions of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The Nigerian boys completed the qualification tournament in style, winning all four of their matches convincingly to secure the region’s automatic ticket to the continental championship, scheduled to be held in Côte d’Ivoire from August 3 to 16, 2026.
Reacting to the achievement, Kida commended the players and coaching crew for their discipline, commitment, and outstanding performances throughout the tournament, describing the qualification as further evidence of the Federation’s commitment to grassroots basketball development.
“This qualification is a testament to the immense talent we have in Nigeria and the hard work of our players, coaches, and officials. I congratulate the team for making the nation proud with such commanding performances,” Kida said.
The NBBF President also attributed the success to the collective commitment of the Federation’s board members, noting that the inclusive approach of involving everyone has continued to yield positive results.
“The NBBF shall continue to lubricate the fan belts of the talent production factories of the game in Nigeria. Our focus remains on enhancing Nigeria’s growing global status, with greater emphasis on grassroots basketball development,” he added.
He assured Nigerians that the Federation would intensify preparations ahead of the continental championship to ensure that both the male and female U-18 national teams are adequately equipped to compete for honours in Côte d’Ivoire.
He also appreciated the support of stakeholders and private sector partners, whose encouragement of the team during the qualifiers proved the importance of collaboration in the development of Nigerian basketball.
Nigeria’s U-18 Boys defeated Benin 96–35 and Burkina Faso 98–54 in the first round before recording 101–43 and 100–54 victories over the same opponents in the return fixtures to finish unbeaten and clinch the Zone 3 title.
Both Nigeria’s male and female U-18 national teams will now represent the country at the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
