Ahmedu Congratulates Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire on U-19 World Cup Qualification

FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), has applauded Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire for securing places at the 2027 FIBA U-19 World Cups, following their impressive campaigns at the African U-18 championships in Abidjan.

The two countries emerged as the Zone 3 representatives to the global youth championships after the continental finals concluded at the Palais des Sports, Treichville, on August 16.

Côte d’Ivoire claimed the men’s crown, edging Senegal in the final, while Nigeria’s women battled their way to the championship match before Mali ended their title hopes.

Despite Nigeria’s defeat in the final, Ahmedu praised the performance of both teams, describing the qualification as a major boost for basketball development in the zone.

He noted that the success of the two countries underlines the importance of investing in young players and called on other basketball administrators within Zone 3 to intensify their grassroots and youth programmes.

According to Ahmedu, building strong development structures at the junior level remains crucial to producing players capable of succeeding at senior and international levels.

The Zone 3 leadership is also continuing its youth development drive, with the next major initiative being the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Tournament, scheduled for Accra, Ghana, in October 2026.

“As part of its commitment to youth basketball development, following the success of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament in 2025, the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Tournament is scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, in October 2026,” he said.

The competition follows the successful Zone 3 Academies Tournament held in 2025 and is expected to provide another platform for young talents across the region to gain international-level exposure.