Youth Basketball Stars Emerge as FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Tournament Ends on a High

The inaugural FIBA Africa Zone 3 Academies Basketball Tournament concluded in spectacular fashion in Lagos, with Maktown Basketball Academy and Warriors Amazon Basketball Academy emerging as champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.

In the boys’ final, Maktown edged past Warlords in a thrilling 74–70 showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the girls’ final, Warriors Amazon outclassed Victoria Queens 23–19 to clinch the title.

The third-place matches saw Raptors narrowly defeat Beavers 17–15 in the boys’ bracket, while Impression Basketball Academy comfortably beat TABA 26–7 on the girls’ side.

In a celebration of individual brilliance, Agbo Thomas (Maktown) and Hembam Vera (Amazon) were named Most Valuable Players of the tournament.

There were also standout performances in the skill competitions: Ola Promise of Raptors wowed the crowd to win the Slam Dunk Contest, while Moda Ajani (Victoria Queens) and Alex Otu (Impression) claimed victory in the three-point shootout.

Coach Olalekan Akinwonjuowo of Amazon expressed delight after his team’s hard-fought win.

“Winning is my hobby,” said Akinwonjuowo. “We didn’t come here just to participate—we came to win as champions. From the moment we received the invitation, we started preparing, rain or shine. Our defense was the key today, and I give credit to our rivals, Victoria Queens, who really pushed us to bring our best.”

He also used the moment to call for greater investment in grassroots sports.

“We need more competitions like this. It keeps the girls active, focused, and off the streets,” he said.

“Many of these players come from challenging backgrounds. Basketball gives them hope and a future.”

The final day drew a vibrant crowd, including several dignitaries such as former D’Tigers coach Alex Nwora, ex-D’Tigers captain and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association Olumide Oyedeji, comedian and sports supporter Godwin Komone (aka Gordons), and Lagos State Basketball Association Chairperson Barbara Atinuke Harper.

Toba Shinkaye, Chairperson of the tournament’s organising committee, praised the successful conclusion of the four-day event.

“This tournament has shown the raw, untapped talent across Nigeria,” Shinkaye said. “The passion, sportsmanship, and discipline exhibited here remind us why grassroots development must be at the core of our basketball agenda.

”The tournament, hosted by Warriors Basketball Academy on behalf of Nigeria, was organised under the direction of FIBA Africa Zone 3 and its President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd).

Although initially expected to feature teams from Ghana and Togo, regional unrest and logistical challenges meant that only Nigerian teams were able to compete.

Despite that, Ahmedu reaffirmed the tournament’s success and its critical role in player development.

“Many of these kids just train endlessly without ever getting the chance to assess their growth in real game situations,” Ahmedu noted.

“This event is a vital step in building a database of players and monitoring their long-term progress. It’s about integrity, development, and creating real pathways.

”As the curtain falls on the inaugural edition, organisers and participants alike are already looking ahead to future tournaments—with a shared commitment to building basketball from the grassroots and nurturing the next generation of African stars.