NBBF rolls out plans for rest of 2026 with focus on growth, global competitions
By Tunde Liadi The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has officially rolled out an extensive programme of activities for the 2026 season, outlining a busy and strategic calendar aimed at strengthening
By Tunde Liadi
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has officially rolled out an extensive programme of activities for the 2026 season, outlining a busy and strategic calendar aimed at strengthening domestic competitions, enhancing player development, and boosting Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
The schedule, signed by Secretary General Mrs. Amina Amanch, captures a year-long plan that blends administrative engagements, grassroots initiatives, elite league competitions, and major international tournaments.
April marks the start of domestic competitions, with the first phase of the Men’s Premier Basketball League tipping off across multiple centres including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, and Benin. The women’s game also takes centre stage with the opening phase of the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Premier League. Additionally, an invitational tournament for the national women’s team in the United States will provide exposure and preparation for upcoming global assignments.
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In May, the federation intensifies activities with the FIBA AfroCAN 2027 qualifiers, alongside the second phase of the Men’s Premier League and a FIBA 3x3 competition. Grassroots basketball will also receive a boost through the launch of the Total National Men’s Division 2 League, open to clubs outside the top tiers and hosted across various states.
The third quarter promises to be particularly busy. State preliminaries for the Division 2 Championship will be held nationwide, while Nigeria’s men’s team will camp in the United States ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June and July. The domestic calendar continues with the third phase and eventual finals of the Men’s Premier League, alongside phases of the Division 1 Women’s League and the Zenith Bank Women’s Premier League.
Youth and international exposure take centre stage between July and August, with Nigeria participating in the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Preparations for the FIBA Women’s World Cup will also intensify with national team camps planned in China, the United States, or Nigeria. Age-grade competitions, including the U18 African Championships, and Division 1 league eliminations will further underline the federation’s commitment to talent development.
In September, administrative oversight returns with another NBBF Board Meeting, while the senior women’s team will compete at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany.
The final quarter of the year maintains the momentum with participation in the National Youth Games and National Sports Festival, as well as crucial domestic league finals for Division 1 and Division 2 teams. The NBBF Congress and the CBL Invitational Tournament, spanning October to December, will round off the competitive calendar. The year will conclude with another board meeting in December, ensuring continuity and planning for subsequent seasons.
Overall, the 2026 programme reflects the NBBF’s ambition to create a balanced ecosystem that supports grassroots development, strengthens domestic leagues, and ensures Nigeria remains competitive on the global basketball stage.
