The University of Ibadan (Nigeria) and Uganda Christian University emerged as continental champions at the 2026 FASU Afro-Varsity 3×3 Basketball Challenge, securing Africa’s qualification spots for the FISU 3×3 Basketball World Cup.
The tournament, held from 31 May 31 to 1 June , brought together 16 Universities from six African countries during two days of intense competition at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The competition combined elite university sport, cultural exchange and environmental sustainability.
Before the opening tip-off and the race for FISU World Cup qualification began, participating universities gathered for the Green FASU (Federation of Africa University Sports) Initiative, a tree-planting exercise that officially launched the championship.
Protecting the environment together
Addressing participants, FASU Secretary General and FISU Executive Committee Member Peninnah Kabenge emphasized the importance of environmental protection and encouraged each institution to plant a tree as a lasting reminder of its participation. “We must work together to protect the environment,” she said, noting that every delegation was encouraged to leave behind a living symbol of its presence while contributing to a greener University of Ibadan campus.
The championship itself featured 58 matches played before an estimated crowd of nearly 1,000 spectators as athletes from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, the Republic of Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo competed for continental honours.
Ibadan wins the men’s all-Nigerian final
In the men’s competition, hosts University of Ibadan immediately established themselves as title contenders, finishing top of Pool A with a perfect record. They progressed through the knockout stages with victories over the University of Ghana and Uganda Christian University before defeating fellow Nigerian institution Nile University 19-14 in an all-Nigerian final.
Kenya’s United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) claimed the bronze medal after overcoming Uganda Christian University in the third-place game.
Individual honours also went to the hosts, with Odunola Timothy being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Samuel Bello Oluwatobiloba finished as the men’s leading scorer.
Uganda Christian University rule the women’s tournament
The women’s competition produced another impressive display from Uganda Christian University, the defending champions and reigning bronze medallists of the FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball
Teams such as Obafemi Awolowo University Queens, USIU-Africa and Uganda Christian University emerged as early favorites during the group stage.
With continental supremacy and World Cup qualification on the line, Uganda Christian University once again demonstrated why they remain one of Africa’s premier university basketball programmes. The Ugandan side secured a 21-15 victory over USIU-Africa to successfully defend their title.
The University of Lagos completed the podium after defeating OAU Queens in the bronze medal match.
“The key to my performance was consistent preparation, discipline and teamwork,” said Uganda Christian University’s Ayano Martinez Alexis, who earned both the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards. “I worked hard before the tournament to improve my fitness and skills, and during the games I stayed focused on helping my team in every way possible. My teammates and coaches also played a big role because their support and trust gave me confidence. Winning MVP and becoming the top scorer was a result of the effort we put in as a team.”
With qualification secured, the University of Ibadan and Uganda Christian University will now carry Africa’s hopes to the FISU 3×3 Basketball World Cup in Macau, China in October while attention across the continent shifts toward the 12th All Africa University Games scheduled for Egypt later this year.
Written by Chidiebere Ezeani
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