BASKETBALL: Nigeria’s AWBL Qualification Bid Hangs in the Balance as Zone 3 Deadline Nears

Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place in the Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) could be under pressure following the confirmation of the Zone 3 preliminary tournament for October 4–10, 2026, in Monrovia, Liberia.

The development comes at a critical time for Nigerian women’s basketball, with the domestic league yet to reach its conclusion and the September 10 registration deadline for the continental qualifiers fast approaching.

In a communication signed by Léa Kane, Head of Competitions, Africa, Zone 3 notified national federations of the Monrovia tournament and called on interested countries to commence registration formalities without delay.
Four teams have so far been listed for the preliminary competition: Energie Basketball Club of Benin, Flames Basketball, D-Rockas Basketball Club of Liberia and Friends Basketball Association of Côte d’Ivoire.

The Monrovia tournament will produce two qualifiers for the final round of the competition, scheduled to take place in Alexandria, Egypt, from December 11 to 20.

Nigeria, however, is notably missing from the list of registered teams released by Zone 3.

The zone has consequently extended an opportunity to national federations yet to register, but interested in participating, to submit their participation forms on or before September 10.

The narrowing window means the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) may have to act swiftly if the country is to be represented in the Zone 3 qualifiers.

The situation is further complicated by the unfinished domestic women’s basketball season, which could limit the time available to select a club, organise preparations and ensure it is adequately equipped for the continental challenge.

Nigeria has traditionally been an important force in women’s basketball on the continent, making any absence from the qualification process a significant development for the country’s women’s basketball programme.

With the registration deadline only days away, attention will now be on whether Nigeria will take up the remaining opportunity to enter a club for the Zone 3 preliminary tournament.

For now, the country’s participation remains unconfirmed, while the clock continues to tick toward the September 10 deadline.