By Morolani Oluwafemi 

The University of Ibadan has emerged champions of the 8th Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) 3×3 Men’s Basketball Tournament, securing a place at the upcoming FISU 3×3 World Cup scheduled to hold in October 2026 in Macau, China.

The tournament, hosted by the University of Ibadan, took place at the university’s International Conference Centre from Sunday, May 31, to Monday, June 1, 2026, bringing together 16 teams from seven African countries.

The UI team consisting of Jucal Adefokun,Bello Oluwatobiloba, Oluwatomiwa Olofintila and Timothy Olomola, defeated some of the continent’s most outstanding university basketball teams, including the defending champions, Uganda Christian University (UCU), on their way to the title.

UI began their game with a dominant 21–7 victory over Kisii University before edging past ESST of the Benin Republic in a closely contested encounter. The victories secured qualification to the knockout stage, but the hosts were not done yet as they wrapped up the group stage with a convincing 20–12 win over the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Knights.

In the quarter-finals, UI faced the University of Ghana in a fiercely contested West African derby. The Nigerian side held their nerve to claim a narrow 21–18 victory and advance to the semi-finals.

Awaiting them in the last four was defending champion Uganda Christian University (UCU). The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations, but UI proved superior, cruising to a commanding 20–13 victory to book a place in the final.

The championship game featured an all-Nigerian affair between the University of Ibadan and Nile University of Nigeria. Nile University had impressed throughout the competition, notably defeating UCU during the group stage and  USIU Africa of Kenya in the semi-finals.

However, the hosts were determined to complete their fairytale run. Backed by home support, UI produced another composed performance, defeating Nile University 19–14 to lift the continental title.

Speaking with IndyPress, UI basketball team captain Olofintila Oluwatomiwa described the tournament as a tough fight.

“It was a tough fight but we fought as a team and got the win,” Oluwatomiwa said.

The triumph marked a memorable moment for the university as it successfully hosted and won one of Africa’s premier university basketball competitions.

Individual and Team Awards

Male Category

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Odunola Timothy (University of Ibadan)
• Top Scorer: Samuel Bello Oluwatobiloba (University of Ibadan)
• Bronze Medal: USIU Africa, Kenya
• Silver Medal: Nile University of Nigeria
• Gold Medal: University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Female Category

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Ayano Martinez Alexis (Uganda Christian University)
• Top Scorer: Ayano Martinez Alexis (Uganda Christian University)
• Bronze Medal: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria
• Silver Medal: Ndejje University, Uganda
• Gold Medal: Uganda Christian University (UCU)

The tournament also recognized referees and technical officials for their contributions to the successful organization of the championship.
Image credit: FASU