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Men's U17 FIBA World Cup: Historic winning debut for the Éléphanteaux.Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire made history on the opening day of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026, securing the country’s first-ever win in the competition. The Young Elephants delivered a statement performance by defeating Venezuela 74-63 in Group D, bringing pride to the nation and the entire African continent. Leading the way was Jean-Philippe Oka, who produced a standout performance with 18 points, 2 assists and 4 steals. The reigning FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 MVP once again showed his leadership qualities, helping Côte d’Ivoire overcome a competitive Venezuelan team in their historic World Cup debut. “First World Cup game, first win, we can only be happy with the work we have done with these kids over the last two years,” said Moussa Diarra, President of the Ivorian Basketball Federation. For the federation, the victory represents the reward of a long-term youth development project designed to build a pathway toward the senior national team. Head coach Eric Anderson Affi, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 title, was proud of his team’s achievement. “With this win, we are making history and I’m proud to be part of it with these kids,” Affi said, while emphasizing that the team must maintain the same mentality in the upcoming games. The victory is more than just a result; it reflects the growth of Ivorian youth basketball. Omar Mangassouba highlighted the importance of the preparation behind the success, explaining that months of training, film sessions and hard work are now paying off on the biggest stage. Carlo Vieira, general manager of the national team program, believes this achievement sends a powerful message to young players in Côte d’Ivoire and around the world. “The work started two or three years ago and now we can see the results. These kids show that dreams are possible,” he said. However, Côte d’Ivoire’s mission is far from complete. After their historic opening win, the Young Elephants will continue their Group D campaign against Australia on June 28 and Serbia on June 30, aiming to create even more history in Istanbul. With Côte d’Ivoire also preparing to host the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026, the country’s basketball program is entering a new era with the ambition of developing a generation capable of competing consistently at the highest international level.
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Côte d’IvoireCôte d’Ivoire made history on the opening day of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026, securing the country’s first-ever win in the competition. The Young Elephants delivered a statement performance by defeating Venezuela 74-63 in Group D, bringing pride to the nation and the entire African continent. Leading the way was Jean-Philippe Oka, who produced a standout performance with 18 points, 2 assists and 4 steals. The reigning FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 MVP once again showed his leadership qualities, helping Côte d’Ivoire overcome a competitive Venezuelan team in their historic World Cup debut. “First World Cup game, first win, we can only be happy with the work we have done with these kids over the last two years,” said Moussa Diarra, President of the Ivorian Basketball Federation. For the federation, the victory represents the reward of a long-term youth development project designed to build a pathway toward the senior national team. Head coach Eric Anderson Affi, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 title, was proud of his team’s achievement. “With this win, we are making history and I’m proud to be part of it with these kids,” Affi said, while emphasizing that the team must maintain the same mentality in the upcoming games. The victory is more than just a result; it reflects the growth of Ivorian youth basketball. Omar Mangassouba highlighted the importance of the preparation behind the success, explaining that months of training, film sessions and hard work are now paying off on the biggest stage. Carlo Vieira, general manager of the national team program, believes this achievement sends a powerful message to young players in Côte d’Ivoire and around the world. “The work started two or three years ago and now we can see the results. These kids show that dreams are possible,” he said. However, Côte d’Ivoire’s mission is far from complete. After their historic opening win, the Young Elephants will continue their Group D campaign against Australia on June 28 and Serbia on June 30, aiming to create even more history in Istanbul. With Côte d’Ivoire also preparing to host the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026, the country’s basketball program is entering a new era with the ambition of developing a generation capable of competing consistently at the highest international level.
NBABROOKLYN, New York — African basketball took center stage at the 2026 NBA Draft as more than ten players of African descent were selected during the two-day event at the Barclays Center. The historic class highlighted the continent’s growing influence on the global basketball landscape and the impact of development programs such as NBA Academy Africa. AJ Dybantsa makes history as No. 1 pick The biggest moment of the night came when the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. The BYU standout proudly represented his family roots from the Democratic Republic of Congo by wearing a pin honoring the country. Dybantsa becomes only the second player with direct Congolese ties to be selected in the NBA Draft, following Serge Ibaka, who was drafted in 2008. His selection at the top of the draft represents another milestone for African basketball and the continent’s ability to develop elite-level talent. Nigeria leads African representation Nigeria once again emerged as one of the biggest talent pipelines in the draft, producing six selections across both rounds. The Nigerian players selected included: Ebuka Okorie (Stanford), picked 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his rights were traded to the Detroit Pistons. Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s), selected 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks after winning Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Otega Oweh (Kentucky), selected 41st overall. Felix Okpara (Tennessee), selected 46th overall. Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech), selected 48th overall. Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia), selected 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets. Onyenso’s selection marked another milestone as he became the third NBA Academy Africa alumnus to reach the NBA. Alongside Okpara, he also became part of only the second pair of Nigerian-born players selected in the same draft. A continent-wide celebration Africa’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria. Rwanda celebrated a historic moment as Nate Ament, selected 13th overall by the Miami Heat, became only the second player of Rwandan heritage drafted into the NBA. Ghana also had representation through Jack Kayil, selected 39th overall by the Houston Rockets, while the Central African Republic celebrated Narcisse Ngoy, selected 57th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. From local courts across Africa to the brightest stage in basketball, the 2026 NBA Draft delivered a powerful message: Africa is no longer only the future of basketball — it is already shaping its present.
AfricaThe FIBA Intercontinental Cup is entering a new chapter. FIBA has officially announced that Beijing, China, will host the competition from 2026 to 2028, marking the first time the prestigious global club tournament will be staged in China. The move follows a successful three-year run in Singapore, which hosted the event between 2023 and 2025. Created in 1965, the Intercontinental Cup has evolved from a competition between a handful of continental champions into a truly global club championship. Beijing's selection reflects FIBA’s ambition to continue expanding the tournament’s international reach while capitalizing on China’s passion for basketball and proven experience in hosting major sporting events, including the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis described the decision as part of the organization’s mission to modernize and grow the competition, emphasizing Beijing’s ability to deliver world-class basketball events over the next three years. RSSB Tigers to Represent Africa in Beijing The announcement is particularly significant for African basketball. Following their historic BAL championship run, RSSB Tigers have already secured their place in the 2026 Intercontinental Cup and will represent Africa against champions from other regions of the world. Among the clubs already qualified for the 2026 edition are: RSSB Tigers (Basketball Africa League champions) Rytas Vilnius (Basketball Champions League Europe champions) Boca Juniors (Basketball Champions League Americas champions) Additional participants will be confirmed in the coming months. A Growing Global Competition Over its 35 editions, the Intercontinental Cup has welcomed clubs from six continents and become one of the most prestigious tournaments in world basketball. European clubs have historically dominated the competition with 24 titles, while Spain remains the most successful nation with 12 championships. For Africa, the tournament continues to provide an opportunity to measure its top clubs against the best teams from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. After recent appearances by clubs such as Al Ahly SC, Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly, the spotlight now turns to the RSSB Tigers as they prepare to carry Africa’s hopes onto the world stage in Beijing this September. The 2026 edition is scheduled to tip off in late September, opening a new era for one of basketball’s most prestigious club competitions.
AfricaThe third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers promises to be a crucial moment in the race for qualification. From July 2 to July 5, 2026, Africa’s top basketball nations will battle to strengthen their position and move closer to securing a place at the global tournament. Among the most anticipated matchups is the regional showdown between Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, scheduled to take place in Dakar. After a perfect start to their campaign with a 3-0 record, the Elephants enter the window full of confidence and currently sit at the top of Group B. Côte d’Ivoire already made a strong statement during the first window in February, defeating Senegal 90-80 in Dakar in a major upset. The Elephants showed composure under pressure and proved they can compete against one of Africa’s traditional basketball powers. Senegal, however, will be looking for revenge on home soil. The Lions currently sit second in Group B with a 2-1 record and know that this matchup could have major implications in the battle for the top positions and qualification to the next round. A key battle in Africa’s qualification race The Côte d’Ivoire-Senegal clash is part of a strong lineup of games during the third window, featuring several important continental matchups including Tunisia vs Nigeria, Egypt vs Mali, Cape Verde vs Cameroon, Angola vs Egypt, and other games that could reshape the standings across the different groups. Led by head coach Miguel Hoyo Ramos, Côte d’Ivoire arrives with a balanced squad featuring international players and top performers from the domestic league. The objective is clear: maintain their momentum, protect their position at the top of the group, and take another step toward the 2027 World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire schedule – Window 3 Thursday, July 2 – 18:00 GMT Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal Saturday, July 4 – 15:00 GMT DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire Sunday, July 5 – 15:00 GMT Côte d’Ivoire vs Madagascar After the home-and-away group phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round. Results from the first phase will carry over before teams play six additional games against opponents from the other groups. The two best teams from each second-round group, along with the best third-place team, will qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, with Africa receiving five qualification spots. Currently ranked third in Africa and 38th in the world, Côte d’Ivoire continues its rise on the international stage and aims to confirm its place among the continent’s basketball elite. The Elephants now face a major test in Dakar — a game that could define their World Cup qualification journey.
NBAThe New York Knicks have made history by winning the 2026 NBA Championship, securing their first title since 1973. New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals (94-90) to close out the series 4-1 and lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in more than five decades. The deciding game was another showcase of the Knicks’ resilience. San Antonio came out strong and built a 16-point lead, but New York once again found a way to fight back. Leading the comeback was Jalen Brunson, who delivered a legendary performance with 45 points, including a dominant fourth-quarter stretch where he scored 13 consecutive points to seal the victory. Brunson was rewarded for his incredible Finals run by being named 2026 NBA Finals MVP. Brunson was supported by a strong collective effort, with OG Anunoby playing a crucial role on both ends of the floor throughout the series. Known for his defensive impact, Anunoby provided the Knicks with toughness and versatility, making key plays during critical moments of the Finals. The championship marks a historic return to glory for one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises. After 53 years of waiting, generations of Knicks fans finally witnessed another title celebration, as New York’s new era — built around leadership, resilience and the brilliance of Jalen Brunson — delivered one of the most memorable championship runs in franchise history.
Côte d’IvoireWith the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup just around the corner, Côte d’Ivoire’s young Elephants are continuing their preparation campaign ahead of the tournament scheduled from June 27 to July 5 in Turkey. The reigning African U16 champions are preparing for their first-ever appearance at the U17 World Cup. Led by head coach Anderson Affi, the Ivorian squad is currently training in France, focusing on tactical development, technical improvement and physical preparation as they get ready to compete against the best young teams in the world. During their preparation camp, Côte d’Ivoire has already played two friendly games against Switzerland’s U18 national team. The Elephants secured a first victory 96-83 before falling narrowly in the second matchup 99-95 after a competitive battle. The next challenge awaits this Saturday, June 13, when Côte d’Ivoire faces France’s U17 national team at the Astroballe arena in Lyon. The game will provide another important test against a French squad coached by basketball legend Tony Parker, as the Elephants continue building momentum before the World Cup. Drawn into Group D alongside Venezuela, Australia and Serbia, Côte d’Ivoire will look to make history and proudly represent Africa during its first-ever appearance on the global U17 stage.
Côte d’IvoireCôte d’Ivoire made history on the opening day of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026, securing the country’s first-ever win in the competition. The Young Elephants delivered a statement performance by defeating Venezuela 74-63 in Group D, bringing pride to the nation and the entire African continent. Leading the way was Jean-Philippe Oka, who produced a standout performance with 18 points, 2 assists and 4 steals. The reigning FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 MVP once again showed his leadership qualities, helping Côte d’Ivoire overcome a competitive Venezuelan team in their historic World Cup debut. “First World Cup game, first win, we can only be happy with the work we have done with these kids over the last two years,” said Moussa Diarra, President of the Ivorian Basketball Federation. For the federation, the victory represents the reward of a long-term youth development project designed to build a pathway toward the senior national team. Head coach Eric Anderson Affi, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 title, was proud of his team’s achievement. “With this win, we are making history and I’m proud to be part of it with these kids,” Affi said, while emphasizing that the team must maintain the same mentality in the upcoming games. The victory is more than just a result; it reflects the growth of Ivorian youth basketball. Omar Mangassouba highlighted the importance of the preparation behind the success, explaining that months of training, film sessions and hard work are now paying off on the biggest stage. Carlo Vieira, general manager of the national team program, believes this achievement sends a powerful message to young players in Côte d’Ivoire and around the world. “The work started two or three years ago and now we can see the results. These kids show that dreams are possible,” he said. However, Côte d’Ivoire’s mission is far from complete. After their historic opening win, the Young Elephants will continue their Group D campaign against Australia on June 28 and Serbia on June 30, aiming to create even more history in Istanbul. With Côte d’Ivoire also preparing to host the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026, the country’s basketball program is entering a new era with the ambition of developing a generation capable of competing consistently at the highest international level.
AfricaThe third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers promises to be a crucial moment in the race for qualification. From July 2 to July 5, 2026, Africa’s top basketball nations will battle to strengthen their position and move closer to securing a place at the global tournament. Among the most anticipated matchups is the regional showdown between Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, scheduled to take place in Dakar. After a perfect start to their campaign with a 3-0 record, the Elephants enter the window full of confidence and currently sit at the top of Group B. Côte d’Ivoire already made a strong statement during the first window in February, defeating Senegal 90-80 in Dakar in a major upset. The Elephants showed composure under pressure and proved they can compete against one of Africa’s traditional basketball powers. Senegal, however, will be looking for revenge on home soil. The Lions currently sit second in Group B with a 2-1 record and know that this matchup could have major implications in the battle for the top positions and qualification to the next round. A key battle in Africa’s qualification race The Côte d’Ivoire-Senegal clash is part of a strong lineup of games during the third window, featuring several important continental matchups including Tunisia vs Nigeria, Egypt vs Mali, Cape Verde vs Cameroon, Angola vs Egypt, and other games that could reshape the standings across the different groups. Led by head coach Miguel Hoyo Ramos, Côte d’Ivoire arrives with a balanced squad featuring international players and top performers from the domestic league. The objective is clear: maintain their momentum, protect their position at the top of the group, and take another step toward the 2027 World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire schedule – Window 3 Thursday, July 2 – 18:00 GMT Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal Saturday, July 4 – 15:00 GMT DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire Sunday, July 5 – 15:00 GMT Côte d’Ivoire vs Madagascar After the home-and-away group phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round. Results from the first phase will carry over before teams play six additional games against opponents from the other groups. The two best teams from each second-round group, along with the best third-place team, will qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, with Africa receiving five qualification spots. Currently ranked third in Africa and 38th in the world, Côte d’Ivoire continues its rise on the international stage and aims to confirm its place among the continent’s basketball elite. The Elephants now face a major test in Dakar — a game that could define their World Cup qualification journey.
Côte d’IvoireWith the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup just around the corner, Côte d’Ivoire’s young Elephants are continuing their preparation campaign ahead of the tournament scheduled from June 27 to July 5 in Turkey. The reigning African U16 champions are preparing for their first-ever appearance at the U17 World Cup. Led by head coach Anderson Affi, the Ivorian squad is currently training in France, focusing on tactical development, technical improvement and physical preparation as they get ready to compete against the best young teams in the world. During their preparation camp, Côte d’Ivoire has already played two friendly games against Switzerland’s U18 national team. The Elephants secured a first victory 96-83 before falling narrowly in the second matchup 99-95 after a competitive battle. The next challenge awaits this Saturday, June 13, when Côte d’Ivoire faces France’s U17 national team at the Astroballe arena in Lyon. The game will provide another important test against a French squad coached by basketball legend Tony Parker, as the Elephants continue building momentum before the World Cup. Drawn into Group D alongside Venezuela, Australia and Serbia, Côte d’Ivoire will look to make history and proudly represent Africa during its first-ever appearance on the global U17 stage.
AfricaAfter an outstanding first qualifying window that saw Côte d’Ivoire finish with a perfect 3-0 record in Group B during the February games in Senegal, the Elephants are now preparing for the second stage of their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualification campaign. Head coach Miguel Hoyo Ramos and his players have settled in Tunis, Tunisia, for preparation ahead of the return window scheduled for July 2-5, 2026 in Dakar, Senegal. Players are joining the national team camp gradually, including several domestic league standouts such as Jonathan Cissé, Kra Ulrich, William Babatunde, Moussa Koné and Ismaël Diarra. The roster also includes international-based players such as Traoré Aboubakar, Sydney Hawmmond, Amadou Sidibé, Junior Ouattara and Alexandre Lomby, who compete mainly in the French basketball system. FIBA has announced Côte d’Ivoire’s schedule for the upcoming window: Thursday, July 2, 2026 – 18:00 GMT: Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal Saturday, July 4, 2026 – 15:00 GMT: DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire Sunday, July 5, 2026 – 15:00 GMT: Côte d’Ivoire vs Madagascar Following their perfect start, the Elephants will look to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the qualification race. After the home-and-away group phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where results will carry over before six additional games against teams from the other groups. To qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, teams must finish among the top two in their second-round group or claim the best third-place position. Africa will have five spots available for the global tournament. Currently ranked third in Africa and 38th worldwide, Côte d’Ivoire continues to build on its recent progress and aims to represent the continent with pride on the international stage. The preparation continues as the Elephants chase their dream of reaching the 2027 World Cup.
NBABROOKLYN, New York — African basketball took center stage at the 2026 NBA Draft as more than ten players of African descent were selected during the two-day event at the Barclays Center. The historic class highlighted the continent’s growing influence on the global basketball landscape and the impact of development programs such as NBA Academy Africa. AJ Dybantsa makes history as No. 1 pick The biggest moment of the night came when the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. The BYU standout proudly represented his family roots from the Democratic Republic of Congo by wearing a pin honoring the country. Dybantsa becomes only the second player with direct Congolese ties to be selected in the NBA Draft, following Serge Ibaka, who was drafted in 2008. His selection at the top of the draft represents another milestone for African basketball and the continent’s ability to develop elite-level talent. Nigeria leads African representation Nigeria once again emerged as one of the biggest talent pipelines in the draft, producing six selections across both rounds. The Nigerian players selected included: Ebuka Okorie (Stanford), picked 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his rights were traded to the Detroit Pistons. Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s), selected 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks after winning Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Otega Oweh (Kentucky), selected 41st overall. Felix Okpara (Tennessee), selected 46th overall. Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech), selected 48th overall. Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia), selected 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets. Onyenso’s selection marked another milestone as he became the third NBA Academy Africa alumnus to reach the NBA. Alongside Okpara, he also became part of only the second pair of Nigerian-born players selected in the same draft. A continent-wide celebration Africa’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria. Rwanda celebrated a historic moment as Nate Ament, selected 13th overall by the Miami Heat, became only the second player of Rwandan heritage drafted into the NBA. Ghana also had representation through Jack Kayil, selected 39th overall by the Houston Rockets, while the Central African Republic celebrated Narcisse Ngoy, selected 57th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. From local courts across Africa to the brightest stage in basketball, the 2026 NBA Draft delivered a powerful message: Africa is no longer only the future of basketball — it is already shaping its present.
AfricaThe FIBA Intercontinental Cup is entering a new chapter. FIBA has officially announced that Beijing, China, will host the competition from 2026 to 2028, marking the first time the prestigious global club tournament will be staged in China. The move follows a successful three-year run in Singapore, which hosted the event between 2023 and 2025. Created in 1965, the Intercontinental Cup has evolved from a competition between a handful of continental champions into a truly global club championship. Beijing's selection reflects FIBA’s ambition to continue expanding the tournament’s international reach while capitalizing on China’s passion for basketball and proven experience in hosting major sporting events, including the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis described the decision as part of the organization’s mission to modernize and grow the competition, emphasizing Beijing’s ability to deliver world-class basketball events over the next three years. RSSB Tigers to Represent Africa in Beijing The announcement is particularly significant for African basketball. Following their historic BAL championship run, RSSB Tigers have already secured their place in the 2026 Intercontinental Cup and will represent Africa against champions from other regions of the world. Among the clubs already qualified for the 2026 edition are: RSSB Tigers (Basketball Africa League champions) Rytas Vilnius (Basketball Champions League Europe champions) Boca Juniors (Basketball Champions League Americas champions) Additional participants will be confirmed in the coming months. Over its 35 editions, the Intercontinental Cup has welcomed clubs from six continents and become one of the most prestigious tournaments in world basketball. European clubs have historically dominated the competition with 24 titles, while Spain remains the most successful nation with 12 championships. For Africa, the tournament continues to provide an opportunity to measure its top clubs against the best teams from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. After recent appearances by clubs such as Al Ahly SC, Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly, the spotlight now turns to the RSSB Tigers as they prepare to carry Africa’s hopes onto the world stage in Beijing this September. The 2026 edition is scheduled to tip off in late September, opening a new era for one of basketball’s most prestigious club competitions.
AfricaThe third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers promises to be a crucial moment in the race for qualification. From July 2 to July 5, 2026, Africa’s top basketball nations will battle to strengthen their position and move closer to securing a place at the global tournament. Among the most anticipated matchups is the regional showdown between Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, scheduled to take place in Dakar. After a perfect start to their campaign with a 3-0 record, the Elephants enter the window full of confidence and currently sit at the top of Group B. Côte d’Ivoire already made a strong statement during the first window in February, defeating Senegal 90-80 in Dakar in a major upset. The Elephants showed composure under pressure and proved they can compete against one of Africa’s traditional basketball powers. Senegal, however, will be looking for revenge on home soil. The Lions currently sit second in Group B with a 2-1 record and know that this matchup could have major implications in the battle for the top positions and qualification to the next round. The Côte d’Ivoire-Senegal clash is part of a strong lineup of games during the third window, featuring several important continental matchups including , and other games that could reshape the standings across the different groups. Led by head coach , Côte d’Ivoire arrives with a balanced squad featuring international players and top performers from the domestic league. The objective is clear: maintain their momentum, protect their position at the top of the group, and take another step toward the 2027 World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire Côte d’Ivoire vs Madagascar After the home-and-away group phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round. Results from the first phase will carry over before teams play six additional games against opponents from the other groups. The two best teams from each second-round group, along with the best third-place team, will qualify for the , with Africa receiving . Currently ranked , Côte d’Ivoire continues its rise on the international stage and aims to confirm its place among the continent’s basketball elite. The Elephants now face a major test in Dakar — a game that could define their World Cup qualification journey.
AfricaAfter an outstanding first qualifying window that saw Côte d’Ivoire finish with a perfect 3-0 record in Group B during the February games in Senegal, the Elephants are now preparing for the second stage of their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualification campaign. Head coach Miguel Hoyo Ramos and his players have settled in Tunis, Tunisia, for preparation ahead of the return window scheduled for July 2-5, 2026 in Dakar, Senegal. Players are joining the national team camp gradually, including several domestic league standouts such as Jonathan Cissé, Kra Ulrich, William Babatunde, Moussa Koné and Ismaël Diarra. The roster also includes international-based players such as Traoré Aboubakar, Sydney Hawmmond, Amadou Sidibé, Junior Ouattara and Alexandre Lomby, who compete mainly in the French basketball system. FIBA has announced Côte d’Ivoire’s schedule for the upcoming window: Thursday, July 2, 2026 – 18:00 GMT: Côte d’Ivoire vs Senegal Saturday, July 4, 2026 – 15:00 GMT: DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire Sunday, July 5, 2026 – 15:00 GMT: Côte d’Ivoire vs Madagascar Following their perfect start, the Elephants will look to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the qualification race. After the home-and-away group phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where results will carry over before six additional games against teams from the other groups. To qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, teams must finish among the top two in their second-round group or claim the best third-place position. Africa will have available for the global tournament. Currently ranked , Côte d’Ivoire continues to build on its recent progress and aims to represent the continent with pride on the international stage. The preparation continues as the Elephants chase their dream of reaching the 2027 World Cup.
AfricaThe FIBA Intercontinental Cup is entering a new chapter. FIBA has officially announced that Beijing, China, will host the competition from 2026 to 2028, marking the first time the prestigious global club tournament will be staged in China. The move follows a successful three-year run in Singapore, which hosted the event between 2023 and 2025. Created in 1965, the Intercontinental Cup has evolved from a competition between a handful of continental champions into a truly global club championship. Beijing's selection reflects FIBA’s ambition to continue expanding the tournament’s international reach while capitalizing on China’s passion for basketball and proven experience in hosting major sporting events, including the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis described the decision as part of the organization’s mission to modernize and grow the competition, emphasizing Beijing’s ability to deliver world-class basketball events over the next three years. RSSB Tigers to Represent Africa in Beijing The announcement is particularly significant for African basketball. Following their historic BAL championship run, RSSB Tigers have already secured their place in the 2026 Intercontinental Cup and will represent Africa against champions from other regions of the world. Among the clubs already qualified for the 2026 edition are: RSSB Tigers (Basketball Africa League champions) Rytas Vilnius (Basketball Champions League Europe champions) Boca Juniors (Basketball Champions League Americas champions) Additional participants will be confirmed in the coming months. A Growing Global Competition Over its 35 editions, the Intercontinental Cup has welcomed clubs from six continents and become one of the most prestigious tournaments in world basketball. European clubs have historically dominated the competition with 24 titles, while Spain remains the most successful nation with 12 championships. For Africa, the tournament continues to provide an opportunity to measure its top clubs against the best teams from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. After recent appearances by clubs such as Al Ahly SC, Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly, the spotlight now turns to the RSSB Tigers as they prepare to carry Africa’s hopes onto the world stage in Beijing this September. The 2026 edition is scheduled to tip off in late September, opening a new era for one of basketball’s most prestigious club competitions.
AfricaThe RSSB Tigers etched their names into African basketball history on Sunday by winning the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) championship. Backed by a passionate home crowd at Kigali’s BK Arena, the Rwandan side rallied from a massive early deficit to defeat Petro de Luanda 90-88, becoming the first Rwandan club to lift the BAL trophy. The final appeared headed in Petro de Luanda’s direction from the opening minutes. The Angolan powerhouse, which was seeking its second BAL title and third consecutive finals victory, stormed out to a remarkable 20-0 start and led 27-16 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Tigers gradually clawed their way back into the contest, feeding off their defensive intensity and the energy of the home crowd. The comeback was fueled by a spectacular performance from Craig Randall II, who once again delivered on the biggest stage. After a slow start, the American guard caught fire in the second quarter and finished with a game-high 33 points, knocking down several crucial three-pointers and leading the Tigers’ offensive charge. His scoring explosion proved decisive as RSSB completed one of the most memorable comebacks in BAL Finals history. Petro de Luanda fought until the final buzzer behind a dominant outing from Aboubacar Gakou, who recorded 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Chasson Randle added 17 points. Despite controlling much of the game, the Angolan champions were unable to withstand the Tigers' late surge and fell just short of securing another continental crown. The victory caps a dream BAL debut season for RSSB Tigers, who become the first Rwandan team and the sixth different franchise to win the competition. For Petro de Luanda, the defeat marks a heartbreaking end to a campaign that saw them reach their fourth BAL Final in six seasons and their third consecutive championship game.
AfricaPetro de Luanda advanced to its third consecutive Basketball Africa League Final after defeating Al Ahly Ly 94-88 in a dramatic semifinal clash in Kigali. Trailing for most of the game, the Angolan champions produced a dominant fourth-quarter comeback to secure their fourth BAL Finals appearance in six seasons. The matchup was a rematch of the 2024 BAL Final, and for much of the contest, Al Ahly Ly appeared in control. The Libyan champions dictated the tempo through the first three quarters with aggressive offense and strong execution. However, the momentum completely shifted when Cleusio Castro threw down a thunderous dunk to give Petro a 75-73 lead with 7:13 remaining. From that moment on, Petro never trailed again. The game-changing spark came from the bench through Childe Dundao. Entering as Petro’s seventh man, Dundao transformed the flow of the game with his pace, energy, and playmaking. Alongside him, Gerson Gonçalves delivered a huge offensive performance to lead the Angolan giants back into the BAL Final. With the victory, Petro de Luanda now reaches the BAL Finals in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, further cementing its legacy as one of Africa’s premier basketball dynasties. Petro will now face RSSB Tigers, who eliminated Al Ahly SC 106-97, in what promises to be an electric championship game in front of the Kigali crowd. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Ly will face Al Ahly in the third-place game after falling just short of reaching the club’s first-ever BAL Final.
BALRSSB Tigers continued their remarkable Basketball Africa League 2026 campaign by defeating Al Ahly 106-97 in the semifinals at a packed BK Arena in Kigali, securing the first BAL Finals appearance in club history. In a high-scoring and entertaining battle, the Tigers pulled away during the final five minutes after the game remained tightly contested for most of the night. The two teams were tied 50-50 at halftime before the Rwandan side gradually took control with its pace, energy, and offensive execution. The trio of Oumar Ballo, Craig Randall II, and Teafale Lenard Jr led the home side to the historic victory. Ballo dominated the paint with a massive double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Randall once again exploded offensively with 30 points, finishing just one three-pointer short of another BAL record. Returning from injury, Teafale Lenard Jr added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in a huge all-around performance. On the other side, 2023 BAL champions Al Ahly stayed competitive behind Zack Lofton, who delivered an outstanding performance with 36 points and 5 assists. However, despite Lofton’s offensive brilliance, the Egyptian giants could not withstand the Tigers’ late surge and saw their hopes of returning to the BAL Final come to an end. With the victory, RSSB Tigers become the first Rwandan club ever to qualify for a BAL Final, continuing a dream season in front of their home fans in Kigali. They will now face the winner of the semifinal clash between Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly in the championship game.