Nigeria’s U18 D’Tigers and U18 D’Tigress are set to compete at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championships in Côte d’Ivoire from August 5 to 16, www.aclsports.com reports.
The U18 D’Tigers, led by head coach Michael Ikima, and the U18 D’Tigress, under the guidance of Akindele Peter, will be aiming for strong performances at the continental showpiece as they seek places at the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cups.
U18 D’Tigress
Nigeria will be aiming to win a first FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket title after finishing as runners-up on two previous occasions. Their most recent appearance in the final came in 2024, when they lost 76-56 to Mali in South Africa.
Drawn in Group C alongside Cameroon, Senegal and Tunisia, the Nigerian side begin their campaign against Tunisia on August 5 before taking on Cameroon on August 7 and Senegal on August 9.
The women’s tournament features hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Tunisia, Mali, Egypt, Morocco, Benin, Uganda, Kenya and the Central African Republic.
Akindele Peter’s squad comprises Igwe Juliet Chizoba, Aladelua Precious Grace, Adelaja Zainab Adeola, Ibidunni Nimah, Alaje Cecilia Sunday, Owolabi Oluwatobiloba, Arowolo Bisola Azizat, Alli Khadijah Kuburah, Lawrence Becky, Abali Anastacia John, Onajomo Ogheneochuko, Pela Edore and Anari Favour Joy.
U18 D’Tigers
Nigeria are joint-record winners of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket, having lifted the trophy six times alongside Egypt. However, the Junior D’Tigers have not won the competition since their most recent triumph in 2006.
Nigeria have been grouped with hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and Chad in Group A. Their campaign begins against Egypt on August 5 before matches against Chad on August 7 and Côte d’Ivoire on August 9.
Michael Ikima has selected Idornigie Emmanuel, Ognonna Joshua, Nwafor Victor, Unekwe Ekene, Kayode Olakunle, Sunday Victor, John Isiah, Otaluwa Daniel, Okoh Thomas, Aniegbunam Somto, Aribo Olakunle, Attah James and Adelagun David for the tournament.
Both Nigerian teams have arrived in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the championships and will continue preparations before their opening group-stage fixtures.
Road to the World Cup
Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
The two finalists in the FIBA U18 AfroBasket will qualify for the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Pardubice, Czech Republic, while the finalists in the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket will secure places at the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Chengdu, China.
The men’s FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup will take place from 26 June to 4 July 2027, while the women’s tournament is scheduled for 17 to 25 July 2027.
