NBBF expands talent hunt as U-18 Afrobasket preparations begin

Posted : 04 June 2026

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has unveiled an extensive talent identification and preparation programme for the country’s Under-18 Boys’ and Girls’ National Teams ahead of the 2026 FIBA U18 Afrobasket Championships in Côte d’Ivoire.

The programme, which combines grassroots scouting, elite training camps, and diaspora engagement, is aimed at assembling highly competitive teams capable of challenging for honours at the continental tournament.

As part of the initiative, the Federation will conduct simultaneous tryouts in Benin City, Lagos, and Abuja on June 6 and 7, providing young players from across Nigeria with an opportunity to earn places in the national team setup.

A major highlight of this year’s programme is the inclusion of Benin City among the host centres, a move designed to broaden the Federation’s talent search and increase access for aspiring basketball players from different regions of the country.

Preparations for the U18 Boys’ team will continue with a local training camp from June 19 to July 2 before the squad departs for the FIBA U18 Zone 3 Qualifiers scheduled for July 4 to 12 in Burkina Faso. The team representing Nigeria at the qualifiers will be made up entirely of home-based players.

Following the qualifying tournament, selected local players from both the boys’ and girls’ programmes will return to camp from July 19 to 27 as preparations intensify for the continental finals.

The NBBF will also extend its talent evaluation process beyond Nigeria’s borders through a United States-based training and assessment camp in Chicago from July 24 to 26.

The exercise is expected to attract eligible Nigerian players based abroad, offering them an opportunity to compete for places on the final Afrobasket roster.

The final stage of preparations will take place in Côte d’Ivoire from July 27 to August 2, where players selected from both the local and diaspora camps will come together for a joint training and integration camp focused on tactical work, team bonding, and final roster adjustments.

Nigeria’s U18 Boys’ and Girls’ teams will then compete at the 2026 FIBA U18 Afrobasket Finals scheduled for August 3 to 16 in Côte d’Ivoire.

NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida said the programme reflects the Federation’s long-term commitment to youth development and creating opportunities for talented Nigerian players regardless of their location.

According to Kida, the initiative is designed to identify emerging talent across the country, strengthen connections with Nigerian players in the diaspora, and ensure both teams receive the necessary preparation to compete successfully against Africa’s best.

The Federation added that the programme aligns with its broader objective of building a sustainable national team pipeline through grassroots development, structured competition pathways, and strategic investment in young athletes.

This comprehensive roadmap establishes a highly structured pathway to ensure the finest Nigerian prospects are identified and refined for international glory. By integrating local talent with foreign-based assets, the NBBF is building a robust foundation for a competitive outing in Côte d'Ivoire. The upcoming weeks of tryouts and intensive camps will prove pivotal in shaping the next generation of Nigerian basketball stars.

NBBF expands talent hunt as U-18 Afrobasket preparations begin

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