Ahmedu salutes Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire on FIBA U19 2027 places

FIBA Africa Zone 3 president Sam Ahmedu has congratulated Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire after both countries qualified for the 2027 FIBA U19 World Cups through their performances at the FIBA U18 Afrobasket in Abidjan.

Côte d’Ivoire earned the men’s qualification slot after winning the continental title. The hosts defeated Senegal in the final at the Palais des Sports in Treichville, where the competition ended on August 16.

Nigeria secured the women’s qualification place despite losing the championship game to Mali. Their run to the final was enough to send the country through to the global under-19 tournament alongside Côte d’Ivoire.

Ahmedu said the progress made by both teams was important for basketball in Zone 3. He also stressed that success at under-18 level showed the value of giving young players stronger pathways before they move into senior international competition.

The Zone 3 president urged basketball administrators across the region to put greater effort into grassroots and youth programmes. He identified junior development structures as a key part of producing players who can compete effectively at senior level and on the international stage.

Zone 3’s next major youth project is the U-16 Tournament in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for October 2026. The event follows the Zone 3 Academies Tournament held in 2025 and is intended to give young players from the region another opportunity to gain international experience.