FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026: Christelle N’garsanet, Stéphane Konaté, Miguel Hoyo and Eloi Ngardinga to Lead Côte d’Ivoire’s National Teams
With the 18th edition of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket just days away, scheduled to take place in Abidjan from August 5 to 16, 2026, Côte d’Ivoire’s national teams are stepping up their preparations with a clear ambition: to shine on home soil and compete at the highest level of African basketball.
For this major continental event, the Ivorian U18 women’s team will be led by Christelle N’garsanet. A former Ivorian international and former WNBA player, she played for the New York Liberty during the 2006 season. N’garsanet has since embarked on a coaching career in the United States, notably with Team FIU. Drawing on her high-level playing and coaching experience, she has accepted the challenge of sharing her expertise with the next generation of Ivorian players.
Christelle N’garsanet will be assisted by Ousmane Sidibé, head coach of Association Sportive d’Adjamé (ASA), who recently guided his team to the semifinals of the N1 Ligue d’Or 1XBET. Together, the coaching duo will aim to lead the young Ivorian women as far as possible in this continental competition on home soil.
On the men’s side, Stéphane Konaté will take charge of the national team as Head Coach. The coach, who recently led JCA Kings to the Ivorian national championship title, will be supported by two experienced figures in Ivorian basketball: Miguel Hoyo, head coach of the senior national team, and Eloi Ngardinga, head coach of AZUR in the N1 league.
Bringing together coaches with complementary backgrounds and extensive experience, the staff will be tasked with sharing their knowledge and expertise with an ambitious young generation determined to make its mark in the orange, white and green jersey.
Following the historic success of the Ivorian U16 boys, who were crowned African champions in 2025, expectations are high for the U18 teams. With the support of the home crowd, the Ivorian boys and girls will look to take another step forward and proudly represent their country at one of Africa’s biggest youth basketball events.