UCU Lady Canons retain FASU Afro Varsity 3×3 basketball title, qualify for FISU World Cup

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons successfully defended their Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship title after defeating United States International University (USIU-Africa) of Kenya 21-15 in the final held in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The victory not only secured UCU’s second consecutive continental title but also earned Africa’s qualification slot for the 2026 FISU University 3×3 World Cup scheduled for October in Macau, China.

Represented by Martina Anyango, Shillah Lamunu, Sylvia Nakituuka, and Zoe Atek, the Lady Canons enjoyed a flawless campaign, completing the tournament unbeaten.

UCU began their title defense by topping Pool B with victories over Afe Babalola University of Nigeria and the University of Abuja. Their impressive form continued into the knockout stages, where they defeated Kisii University of Kenya 14-8 in the quarter-finals before overpowering hosts Obafemi Awolowo University of Nigeria 16-7 in the semi-finals.

The final pitted UCU against familiar rivals USIU-Africa, marking the third consecutive year the two universities had faced off in the championship match. Just as they had done in previous editions, the Lady Canons rose to the occasion, producing another commanding performance to defeat the Kenyan side 21-15 and retain the continental crown.

The triumph further cements UCU’s dominance in African university 3×3 basketball and highlights the growing strength of Ugandan university sport on the continental stage.

With the continental title successfully defended, the Lady Canons will now shift their focus to the 2026 FISU University 3×3 World Cup, where they will represent both Uganda and Africa against some of the world’s top university basketball teams.

Meanwhile, the UCU Canons narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the men’s competition after falling short in the bronze medal playoff.

The men’s team, represented by Joel Kayiira, Solomon Olara, Flore Dushime, and Marvin Okurut, reached the semi-finals following a strong group-stage performance that saw them register two wins from three matches. They then overcame Haute École de Commerce de Kinshasa (HEC) from the Democratic Republic of Congo 13-9 in the quarter-finals.

However, their hopes of reaching the final were ended by hosts University of Ibadan, who secured a 19-13 victory in the semi-finals.

The Canons had one final opportunity to claim a medal when they faced USIU-Africa in the third-place playoff, but the Kenyan side proved too strong, winning 21-13 to secure bronze.

Despite narrowly missing out on a medal in the men’s category, UCU leaves Ibadan with plenty to celebrate after the Lady Canons once again showcased their continental pedigree by retaining the FASU Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship and booking a place at the global stage in Macau next year.