In bird’s latest African basketball roundup: FIBA lays out a path to grow the game in Africa, the continent’s top team competition kicks off and Nigeria’s Reuben Chinyelu claims an NCAA Title with Florida Gators.
by Silalei Shani
The world’s top basketabll organisation, FIBA, focused attention on growing the game across the African continent in an April. Executives meeting in Rabar focused attention on the 2025 men’s and women’s AfroBasket tournaments, the Road to BAL (Basketball Africa League) qualifiers, the Women’s Basketball League Africa and the ongoing growth of FIBA Africa’s 3×3 competitions.
The meetings brought together some of the most influential figures in African basketball, including FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave, Regional Director Dr. Alphonse Bilé, COO and Deputy Regional Director Julien Farran, and Executive Committee Members Samuel Ahmedu, Pascale Mugwaneza, Paulo Madeira, and Fodé Amara Condé.
As African basketball continues its upward trajectory, this gathering is expected to serve as a foundation for the sport’s next phase of development—both on the continent and the global stage.
Also in April, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) launched its fifth season with the Kalahari Conference tipping off in Rabat from April 5–13. Egypt’s Al Ittihad and Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers emerged as the top contenders in that conference, securing their spots in BAL Playoffs set to take place in South Africa later this year.
On the final day of action, the Hoopers wrapped up their campaign with a commanding 79–59 win over Mali’s Stade Malien, while Al Ittihad cruised past Morocco’s FUS Rabat 98–74. Abdelhady Metwaly led the charge for the Egyptians with 19 points, one of five players scoring in double figures.
“Even with a big lead, we don’t slow down—that’s who we are,” said Metwaly postgame. “We’ll study teams from the other conferences, but our mindset is to treat every game like a final. We’re here to make history.”
Rivers Hoopers closed out the group with a 4–2 record, while Al Ittihad remained unbeaten at 6–0, becoming just the second Egyptian and third African team to sweep a conference without a loss.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex welcomed over 28,000 fans across the week, with the BAL hosting several community-focused initiatives alongside the on-court action.
Events included the BAL 4 Her workshop, a Special Olympics exhibition, and the “Her Time to Play” clinic, which brought together 100 local girls for basketball training and mentorship.
Next up: the BAL heads to Dakar, Senegal, where the group phase continues from April 26 to May 4.
Meanwhile, Nigerian, Reuben Chinyelu joined the ranks of African basketball players donning NCAA Championship rings as he helped lead the Florida Gators to become the #1 college team in the nation by taking down University of Houston 65-63. A product of the NBA Academy Africa, Chinyelu was an integral part of the Gators basketball program transitioning from a promising freshman to a starter in the national title game. In the final game against Houston, Chinyelu’s ability to rebound, protect the rim and athletic ability proved essential to the Gator’s success in a game decided by narrow margins.
Chinyelu is also a product of Nigeria’s U16 national team that won bronze at the 2019 African Championship in Cape Verde and becomes only the third Nigerian to win an NCAA title.
“As a basketball stakeholder, I am proud of Reuben. His involvement with the Florida Gators is a testament to the Naija fighting spirit,” shared The President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) following the thrilling victory.
bird story agency
Editing by Tom Kirkwood
