Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire Earn Ahmedu’s Praise After U-19 World Cup Qualification

Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire Earn Ahmedu’s Praise After U-19 World Cup Qualification

By Niyi Busari 

FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), has congratulated Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire on securing qualification for the 2027 FIBA U-19 World Cups following their impressive performances at the recently concluded African U-18 Championships in Abidjan, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The two West African nations emerged as Zone 3 representatives for the global youth competitions after the continental championships concluded at the Palais des Sports in Treichville on August 16.

Côte d’Ivoire clinched the men’s title after edging Senegal in the final, while Nigeria’s women’s team advanced to the championship game before losing to Mali.

Although Nigeria narrowly missed out on the women’s title, Ahmedu praised both teams for their performances, describing their qualification for the U-19 World Cups as a significant boost for basketball development in Zone 3.

He stressed the importance of sustained investment in youth basketball, urging administrators across the zone to strengthen grassroots programmes and create more opportunities for young players to develop.

According to the Zone 3 president, establishing strong development structures at the junior level is essential to producing players capable of making a successful transition to senior basketball and representing their countries at the highest international level.

Ahmedu also reiterated the commitment of the Zone 3 leadership to expanding youth development initiatives across the region.

The next major project on the calendar is the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Tournament, scheduled to take place in 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,” Ahmedu said.

The U-16 competition is expected to build on the success of the Zone 3 Academies Tournament held in 2025 by providing another platform for emerging talents across the region to gain valuable competitive experience and exposure.

With Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire now set to compete on the global U-19 stage, Ahmedu believes the achievement should serve as encouragement for other countries in the zone to intensify their investment in youth development and build sustainable pathways for the next generation of basketball players.