University of Ibadan, Uganda Christian University Secure FISU World Cup Qualification at FASU Afro-Varsity 3Ã3 Basketball Challenge
IBADAN, NIGERIA â The University of Ibadan and Uganda Christian University emerged as continental champions at the 2026 FASU Afro-Varsity 3Ã3 Basketball Challenge, securing Africa's qualification spots for the FISU 3Ã3 Basketball World Cup following two days of intense competition at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The tournament, held from May 31 to June 1, brought together 16 Universities from six African countries in a competition that combined elite university sport, cultural exchange and environmental sustainability.
Before the opening tip-off and the race for World Cup qualification began, participating universities gathered for the Green FASU Initiative, a tree-planting exercise that officially launched the championship. The initiative brought together university leaders, student-athletes and heads of delegation from across Africa in a symbolic commitment to sustainability and responsible campus development.
The exercise, hosted by the University of Ibadan, reflected FASU's broader objective of promoting environmentally conscious university communities while demonstrating how sport can drive impact beyond competition.
Addressing participants, FASU Secretary General 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 honors. 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. The victory crowned the University of Ibadan as men's champions and secured qualification for the FISU 3Ã3 Basketball World Cup scheduled for October in Macau, China.
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.
The women's competition produced another impressive display from Uganda Christian University, the defending champions and reigning bronze medalists of the FISU 3Ã3 Basketball World Cup. Teams such as Obafemi Awolowo University Queens, USIU-Africa and Uganda Christian University emerged as early favorites during the group stage. The knockout rounds further demonstrated the depth of competition. USIU-Africa defeated ESST of the Republic of Benin, while the University of Lagos edged the University of Abuja in a closely contested Nigerian encounter. Uganda Christian University overcame Kisii University and later produced a dominant semi-final performance against OAU Queens to reach the championship game.
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. Uganda Christian University's Ayano Martinez Alexis was recognized as the standout performer of the women's tournament, earning both the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards. Reflecting on her outstanding performances, which earned her both the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards while helping Uganda Christian University successfully defend its title, Ayano Martinez Alexis attributed her success to preparation, discipline and teamwork.
âThe key to my performance was consistent preparation, discipline and teamwork,â she said. âI 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.â
With qualification secured, the University of Ibadan and Uganda Christian University will now carry Africa's hopes to the FISU 3Ã3 Basketball World Cup in Macau, while attention across the continent shifts toward the 12th All Africa University Games scheduled for Egypt later this year.
Written by Victor Oluwaseun Olabisi