The 2024 AfroBasket Zone 3 Championship has come under scrutiny as the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) investigates potential age discrepancies following Nigeria’s overwhelming 90-09 victory over Liberia in the women’s division. The result has prompted concerns about the age verification processes used during the tournament.
FIBA convened an urgent meeting at the Palais des Sports in Abidjan to address allegations of age fraud that emerged from the tournament.
Calvin Diggs, Secretary General of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA), reported that the primary focus of the discussions was the potential use of overage players.
In response, FIBA requested that all member nations submit proposals to prevent such issues in future events.
The Zurich-based organization has described the lopsided score as a “serious embarrassment,” highlighting the need for more rigorous age-checking procedures.
Nigeria’s U-18 teams demonstrated dominance throughout the competition, securing spots in the South Africa 2025 U-19 Championship.
The women’s team, in particular, achieved a perfect record with notable victories, including a 94-23 win over host Ivory Coast.
The men’s team also performed strongly, defeating Ghana, Liberia, and Benin.
Ivory Coast finished as the runner-up, with Ghana and Liberia rounding out the top four.
Benin struggled throughout the tournament, failing to secure a single win.
Liberia’s participation in the AfroBasket Zone 3 Championship was significant, marking the country’s return to international basketball since 2007.
Despite the controversies surrounding the tournament, LBA President Abraham Samukai commended the teams for their efforts.
He highlighted the men’s team’s 87-58 victory over Benin as a notable achievement and expressed hope for future competitions. However, the women’s team faced challenges, with their early exit following a heavy defeat to Nigeria.
In addition to these developments, FIBA has announced that Liberia will participate in the 2024 3×3 African Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Madagascar from November 28 to December 1, 2024.
This will mark Liberia’s second international tournament under the rebranded Liberia Basketball Association, led by President Abraham Samukai.
The 3×3 African Nations Cup will feature teams from various African nations, including Madagascar, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Benin, Morocco, Comoros, Central African Republic, South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritania, Algeria, and Rwanda.
The 3×3 format, known for its fast-paced and dynamic style of play, offers a new competitive platform for Liberia as it continues to rebuild and strengthen its basketball program.
