FIBA Africa Zone 3 president Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) has hailed Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire after their qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 World Cups through their strong showings at the African U18 Championships in Abidjan.
Key takeaways
- The two nations became Zone 3’s representatives for the 2027 global U19 tournaments.
- Côte d’Ivoire won the men’s title by defeating Senegal in the final.
- Nigeria’s women reached the championship game, where Mali secured the trophy.
- Ahmedu said the results demonstrate the value of investing in junior basketball.
- Accra will host the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Tournament in October 2026.
U18 success earns global opportunity
The continental championships concluded on August 16 at the Palais des Sports in Treichville, with both countries advancing as Zone 3’s entries for the upcoming world youth competitions.
Côte d’Ivoire secured the men’s championship after narrowly overcoming Senegal in the final. In the women’s competition, Nigeria progressed to the title match, but Mali brought the team’s campaign to an end by claiming victory.
Although Nigeria fell short in the final, Ahmedu commended the efforts of both teams and described their qualification as a significant step forward for basketball across Zone 3.
He said the achievement highlighted the need to commit greater resources to young athletes, while urging basketball officials throughout the zone to strengthen their grassroots work and youth development schemes.
Ahmedu added that effective junior structures are essential for producing players who can compete successfully at senior level and on the international stage.
Zone 3 plans next youth competition
Zone 3’s development programme will continue with the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Tournament, which is due to be staged in Accra, Ghana, in October 2026.
He said the event forms part of the region’s commitment to youth basketball after the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament was successfully held in 2025, with Accra selected as the venue for the next competition.
The U-16 tournament is expected to give emerging players from across the region another opportunity to gain exposure to basketball at international level.
