Ahmedu Hails Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire for Booking FIBA U-19 World Cup Tickets
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 African U-18 Championships in Abidjan.
The two countries emerged as Zone 3 representatives for the global youth championships after the continental finals concluded at the Palais des Sports, Treichville, on August 16.
Côte d’Ivoire won the men’s title after edging Senegal in the final, while Nigeria’s women reached the championship game before losing to Mali.
Ahmedu praised both teams despite Nigeria’s defeat in the women’s final, describing their qualification as a major boost for basketball development in the zone.
He said the achievement underlined the importance of investing in young players and urged basketball administrators across Zone 3 to strengthen grassroots and youth development programmes.
He stressed that strong junior development structures are essential to producing players capable of succeeding at senior and international levels.
The Zone 3 president also reaffirmed the region’s commitment to youth development, with the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Tournament scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana, in October 2026.
The tournament 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 valuable international exposure.
