Basketball fever is set to grip Lagos as the city prepares to host the inaugural FIBA Africa Zone 3 (FAZ3) Academies Basketball Tournament, a groundbreaking event scheduled for July 4–8, 2025.
The maiden tournament has drawn an overwhelming number of entries from academies across the West African sub-region, with confirmed participation from Ghana and Benin Republic, and more entries expected before the June 20 confirmation deadline.
Described as a milestone for basketball development in the zone, the tournament marks the first time youth academies in Zone 3 will converge in a competitive FIBA-sanctioned platform aimed at showcasing emerging talents.
Initially slated for the Warriors Basketball Court in Ilupeju, the Organizing Committee has now expanded the venue to include the Dolphins Indoor Basketball Court in Onikpètèsi, Lagos.
Chairperson of the Committee, Elder Toba Shinkaye, explained the decision was due to the volume of matches and weather concerns during the rainy season.
Preparations are in top gear, with local and foreign teams expected to arrive days before tip-off. “This is not just a tournament; it’s an investment in the future of basketball in our region,” said Shinkaye.
Adding to the event’s appeal, Webber Engineering Nigeria Ltd is curating a fan-friendly atmosphere, promising a high-energy dunk contest and various entertainment attractions to enhance spectator experience.
Vice Chair of the Organising Committee and Lagos State Basketball Association Chairperson, Mrs. Barbara Harper, expressed confidence in the tournament’s success. “The excitement is real. The academies are ready, and Lagos is ready,” she noted.
President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), called the initiative a “defining moment” for youth basketball in the region. “This is the kind of platform young players need to grow and be seen.”
With the countdown officially underway, Lagos is poised to make history and cement its status as a hub for youth basketball development in Africa.
Sports247.ng
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