Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigers and Junior D’Tigress will begin their respective campaigns at the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Championships against tough North Africans opponents as the continental basketball showpiece gets underway in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Both Nigerian teams will be in action on the opening day, with the Junior D’Tigers facing Egypt in Group A, while the Junior D’Tigress take on Tunisia in Group C.
Junior D’Tigers vs Egypt
The Junior D’Tigers will face a major test in their opening game when they meet six-time champions Egypt.
The two nations are joint-record winners of the FIBA U-18 AfroBasket, having won the continental title six times each.
Nigeria qualified for the tournament after an impressive run at the Zone 3 qualifiers in Burkina Faso, where they finished top with a perfect 4-0 record.
The Junior D’Tigers, who last won the continental title in 2006, will be hoping to end their long wait for another championship.
Match Details
Match: Egypt vs Nigeria
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm Nigerian time
Venue: Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan
Junior D’Tigress vs Tunisia
The Junior D’Tigress will also face a challenging opening assignment against Tunisia.
Nigeria, runners-up at the previous edition, are chasing their first-ever FIBA U-18 Women’s AfroBasket title.
The team will be hoping to make a strong start in Group C as they target a deep run in Abidjan.
Match: Tunisia vs Nigeria
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm Nigerian time
Venue: Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan
How to Watch
Basketball fans in Nigeria and around the world can follow the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket through FIBA’s official digital platforms, with live coverage and updates available through the competition’s official channels.
Nigerian audience can also watch on Startimes.
The tournament is also important beyond continental glory, as the best-performing teams will be competing for qualification places at the 2027 FIBA U-19 World Cups.
With both Nigerian teams beginning their campaigns on the same day, Wednesday promises a significant double-header for Nigerian basketball as the Junior D’Tigers and Junior D’Tigress begin their quest for continental success in Abidjan.
