Nigeria’s U-18 Boys Basketball Team has secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket after an outstanding unbeaten campaign at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The Nigerian youngsters were in a class of their own throughout the tournament, winning all four matches in convincing fashion to emerge Zone 3 champions and book their place at the continental championship scheduled for August 3 to 16 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria opened the qualifiers with a crushing 96-35 victory over Benin before overpowering hosts Burkina Faso 98-54.
The team maintained its dominance in the return fixtures, defeating Benin 101-43 and completing the campaign with a commanding 100-54 win against Burkina Faso.
The flawless run means the U-18 boys will join Nigeria’s U-18 girls, who had earlier secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket.
Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, praised the players and technical crew for their impressive performances, saying the success reflects the federation’s growing investment in youth basketball.
“Our commitment remains to strengthen talent development across the country and continue building Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading basketball nations,” Kida said.
National Sports Commission Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also congratulated the team, urging the players to remain focused on their development despite the qualification.
“You must continue to improve because greatness comes through hard work and consistency. Players like Olumide Oyedeji, Hakeem Olajuwon and Sarah Ogoke earned their status through years of dedication,” Olopade said.
The federation also acknowledged the support of XEJet Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who visited the team during the tournament and called for increased private sector investment in Nigerian basketball.
With both Nigeria’s male and female U-18 teams now qualified, attention will shift to Côte d’Ivoire, where the country will be aiming to challenge for continental honours at the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Championship.
