Afiemo
The echoes of bouncing balls, roaring crowds and youthful energy reverberated through Lagos as the curtain fell on the maiden edition of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U17 Basketball Academy Championship.
Held over four thrilling days, the tournament brought together 21 teams from across the region, setting a new benchmark for grassroots basketball development in West Africa.
Maktown Academy from Benue State emerged as the toast of the boys' category, clinching the championship in a pulsating final against the gritty Warlords.
In the girls' division, Amazon Academy proved their mettle by edging past Victoria Queens in a low-scoring but intense showdown. The finals, filled with passion and poise, reflected the incredible development potential within the zone.
Off the court, the tournament served as a powerful platform for talent discovery and youth engagement. With support from the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Board led by Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) the event wasn’t just about crowning champions, it was about building a future pipeline of stars.
Ahmedu emphasized the role of the competition in tracking and nurturing young talents beyond the tournament, describing it as “a tool for measuring progress, discipline and development.”
Adding spice to the festivities, entertainment icon Gordons lit up the finals with comedy, blending fun and competition in true Nigerian fashion. Also present were basketball dignitaries including Olumide Oyedeji and former national coach Alex Nwora giving the young athletes a glimpse of what lies ahead if they stay the course.
Standout individuals like Agbo Thomas (MVP and top scorer in the boys’ category) and Hembam Vera (MVP girls’ category) underlined the high skill level on display. Both were named in the tournament’s Best Five, alongside other top talents signaling a bright future for Zone 3 basketball.
This championship was more than a tournament, it was a movement. A celebration of potential, unity and purpose. With the success of this inaugural edition the future of U17 basketball in the region looks promising, and the road to continental and global prominence is now more defined than ever.
Picture Credit: Sohail Visuals
