Nigeria Set for 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championships

Nigeria's U18 D'Tigers and U18 D'Tigress are set to compete at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championships in Côte d'Ivoire from August 5 to 16, with both teams aiming to secure continental honours and qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

The Nigerian boys have been drawn in Group A alongside Mali, Uganda and the Central African Republic, while the girls will compete in Group C with Egypt, Madagascar and South Sudan. Both teams qualified for the tournament after emerging champions at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers earlier this year.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) expressed confidence in both teams following weeks of intensive preparation in Abuja, where selected players underwent training under the supervision of their technical crews. The federation believes the teams possess the quality needed to challenge for medals and secure places at the global championship.

The competition will feature some of Africa's best young basketball talents, with the top teams earning qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 World Cup. Nigeria will be looking to build on its rich history in youth basketball by producing strong performances in both the men's and women's tournaments.

Officials urged Nigerians to support the teams throughout the championship, expressing optimism that the country's young stars would make a positive impression on the continental stage and continue Nigeria's tradition of excellence in basketball.