The stage is set for an exciting start to the 8th Afro-Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship as competition begins on Sunday, 31 May 2026, at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, bringing together leading university basketball teams and delegations from seven African countries in a celebration of sport, education, and sustainability.
Adding a unique dimension to this year’s championship is the Green FASU Initiative, a groundbreaking climate action programme that integrates environmental sustainability into university sports. The initiative underscores the commitment of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) to promoting environmentally responsible sporting events while inspiring student-athletes to become ambassadors for sustainable development across the continent.
Afro-Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship Men’s Title Race Begins
On the court, defending men’s champions United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) of Kenya will begin their title defence in a challenging Pool C that features strong opposition from University of Abuja and University of Ghana, setting the stage for some of the tournament’s most competitive encounters.
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Hosts University of Ibadan will open the men’s competition against Kisii University of Kenya in what promises to be a thrilling opening fixture. With home supporters expected to fill the venue, the hosts will be eager to make a strong statement in front of their fans.
Women’s Competition Promises Fierce Contest
The women’s tournament is equally poised to deliver exciting basketball action, with several continental powerhouses competing for the coveted title. A potential clash between USIU-Africa and the University of Ibadan in the knockout stages is already generating anticipation and could prove decisive in determining the eventual champions.
Afro-Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship Winners Eye World Cup Ticket
Beyond continental honours, the stakes are even higher this year. The winners of both the men’s and women’s championships will earn the right to represent Africa at the FISU University World Cup later this year, adding further significance to every game played in Ibadan.
With defending champions, national title holders, emerging university basketball powers, and student-athletes from across seven African nations converging in Nigeria’s premier university city, the 8th Afro-Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship promises high-level competition, unforgettable moments, and a showcase of the very best of African university basketball.
Highlights of the Schedule
Detailed Highlights (Women’s Games):
Pool 1 Matches (May 31)
9:00 AM
University of Ibadan vs. Unilorin (Court 1).
UCU vs. ABUAD (Court 2).
9:20 AM
Kisii University vs. University of Lagos (Court 2).
9:40 AM
ESST vs. Unilorin (Court 1).
University of Abuja vs. ABUAD (Court 2).
10:00 AM
University of Ghana vs. OAU Queens (Court 1).
KNUST vs. University of Lagos (Court 2).
10:25 AM
University of Ibadan vs. ESST (Court 1).
UCU vs. University of Abuja (Court 2).
10:45 AM
USIU Africa vs. University of Ghana (Court 1).
Kisii University vs. KNUST (Court 2).
Quarter-Finals (June 1)
9:00 AM: QF 1 – A/I vs. C/II (Court 1).
9:15 AM: QF 2 – D/I vs. B/II (Court 2).
9:40 AM: QF 3 – B/I vs. D/II (Court 1).
9:55 AM: QF 4 – C/I vs. A/II (Court 2).
Semi-Finals and Finals (June 1)
10:10 AM: Semi-Final 1 (Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF2) – Court 1.
10:25 AM: Semi-Final 2 (Winner QF3 vs. Winner QF4) – Court 2.
10:45 AM: 3rd Place Game (Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2) – Court 1.
11:00 AM: Final (Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2) – Court 2.
Detailed Highlights (Men’s Games):
May 31, 2026:
09:00 AM
MEN Pool 1 A: UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN vs Kisii University (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 B: UCU vs OAU Lions (Court 2)
09:25 AM
MEN Pool 1 C: USIU AFRICA vs UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 D: HEC Kinshasa vs UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS (Court 2)
09:50 AM
MEN Pool 1 A: ESST vs Unilorin Knights (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 B: Nile University vs Team UCC (Court 2)
10:20 AM
MEN Pool 1 C: UNIVERSITY OF GHANA vs ABUAD (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 D: KNUST vs LAUTECH OGBOMOSHO (Court 2)
10:40 AM
MEN Pool 1 A: Kisii University vs Unilorin Knights (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 B: OAU Lions vs Team UCC (Court 2)
11:00 AM
MEN Pool 1 C: UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA vs ABUAD (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 D: UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS vs LAUTECH OGBOMOSHO (Court 2)
11:20 AM
MEN Pool 1 A: UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN vs ESST (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 B: UCU vs Nile University (Court 2)
11:45 AM
MEN Pool 1 C: USIU AFRICA vs UNIVERSITY OF GHANA (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 D: HEC Kinshasa vs KNUST (Court 2)
12:10 PM
MEN Pool 1 A: ESST vs Kisii University (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 B: Nile University vs OAU Lions (Court 2)
12:35 PM
MEN Pool 1 C: UNIVERSITY OF GHANA vs UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA (Court 1)
MEN Pool 1 D: KNUST vs LAUTECH OGBOMOSHO (Court 2)
June 01, 2026:
09:00 AM
MEN Quarter-Final 1: A/I vs C/II (Court 1)
MEN Quarter-Final 2: D/I vs B/II (Court 2)
09:20 AM
MEN Quarter-Final 3: B/I vs D/II (Court 1)
MEN Quarter-Final 4: C/I vs A/II (Court 2)
09:45 AM
MEN Semi-Final 1: Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 2 (Court 1)
MEN Semi-Final 2: Winner QF 3 vs Winner QF 4 (Court 2)
10:10 AM
MEN 3rd Place Game: Loser SF 1 vs Loser SF 2 (Court 1)
10:30 AM
MEN Final: Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2 (Court 2)
