NBBF Opens U-18 Boys Pre-Selection Camp Ahead of Zone 3 Qualifiers
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced the start of its U-18 Boys National Team Pre-Selection Camp as preparations gather pace for the FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 3 Qualifiers in Burkina Faso.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the NBBF Technical Committee, Babs Ogunade, the camp will take place from June 24 to July 3, 2026, at the Indoor Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The camp is part of the federation’s efforts to discover and develop young basketball talents across Nigeria ahead of major international competitions.
Following a nationwide scouting exercise, a number of promising players have been invited to the camp, where they will train under the guidance of head coach Ikima Michael and his technical team.
The coaching crew will use the programme to assess the players’ technical skills, fitness levels, discipline and overall readiness for national team duties.
At the end of the camp, the final squad that will represent Nigeria at the FIBA Africa U-18 Zone 3 Qualifiers will be announced. The qualifying tournament is scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso from July 2 to 15, 2026.
The NBBF said the Benin City camp is an important part of its preparation plans aimed at helping Nigeria compete strongly on the continental stage.
After the qualifiers, selected home-based players will continue training in another camp scheduled for July 16 to 25, 2026.
The federation will also organise a United States Training Camp and Talent Evaluation Programme in Chicago from July 23 to 25, 2026. The programme will give eligible Nigerian players based abroad the chance to be assessed for possible inclusion in the national team.
Players selected from both the home-based and diaspora camps will then meet in Côte d’Ivoire for a Final Joint Preparation Camp from July 27 to August 3, 2026.
The camp will serve as the final stage of preparations for the FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Championship Finals, which will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from August 3 to 16, 2026.
Nigeria will be aiming to put together a strong and competitive squad capable of making a significant impact at the championship.
