By Oscar Chukwugekwu
The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, has congratulated the country’s U18 Boys National Team on their impressive qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship after emerging champions of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The Nigerian youngsters completed the qualification tournament with a perfect record, winning all four of their matches in dominant fashion to secure the region’s automatic ticket to the continental championship scheduled to hold 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 another milestone in 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 “all-hands-on-deck” approach adopted by the board 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 improving Nigeria’s growing global status, with greater emphasis on grassroots basketball development,” he added.
Kida further assured Nigerians that the Federation would intensify preparations ahead of the continental championship to ensure both the male and female U18 teams are adequately equipped to challenge for honours in Côte d’Ivoire.
He also appreciated the support of stakeholders and private sector partners whose encouragement to the team during the qualifiers prove the importance of collaboration in the development of Nigerian basketball.
Nigeria’s U18 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.
The qualification means both Nigeria’s male and female U18 national teams will represent the country at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.