…Zone 3 Congress also scheduled for Accra – Ahmedu
By Ado Salisu, Kano
The gateway to Africa – Ghana is gearing up to welcome the next generation of basketball talent from across the West Africa sub region next month
Accra the beautiful and alluring Ghanaian capital has been selected to host the FIBA Africa Zone 3 (FAZ3) U-16 Boys’ and Girls’ Tournament from November 15 to 20, 2026, followed by the Zone’s General Meeting and Congress on November 21.
With the Ghana Basketball Association (GBBA) leading the hosting arrangements, the West African nation is set to bring together young basketball prospects, team officials, referees and basketball administrators for a week of competition, collaboration and strategic discussions on the development of the sport.
The tournament will be staged at the Multipurpose Hall of the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, with FAZ3 working alongside the FIBA Africa Development Commission and the Competitions Department to ensure effective organisation and delivery.
The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu says, “The event presents Ghana with an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host regional basketball competitions while providing a platform for young male and female players to demonstrate their skills, gain valuable international exposure and strengthen their competitive experience.”
Ahmedu explained that, beyond the action on the court, the FAZ3 General Meeting and Congress will take place on November 21 at Barima Apartments and Hotels in Accra, bringing the Zone’s administrative activities into focus.
“The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for representatives of the relevant basketball federations and stakeholders to deliberate on matters concerning the administration, growth and future direction of basketball within Zone 3,” Ahmedu, a retired military officer stated.
All the eight member federations have also been requested to send representatives in line with the practice adopted at previous editions. Member federations are host Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Liberia, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria’s national U-16 boys’ and girls’ as well as others teams have been formally invited to participate, with the competition expected to provide an important regional platform for the country’s emerging basketball talents.
Participating teams are scheduled to arrive on November 15, with the technical meeting set for the morning of November 16. Games will run from November 16 to 20, while delegations are expected to depart on November 21.
Each team will comprise 12 players, three team officials and an accompanying referee, with age eligibility checks and compliance with FIBA’s international basketball rules forming part of the competition arrangements.
The dual hosting responsibility for Ghana, extends beyond organising a youth tournament. It also places Accra at the centre of regional basketball activity, combining competition with down earth discussions that could shape the sport’s development across the Zone.
With preparations being coordinated among the relevant basketball bodies, attention will turn to Ghana’s ability to deliver a memorable championship and a productive FIBA Africa Zone 3 Congress, creating lasting value for young athletes, participating federations and the wider basketball community in Africa.
