The streets of Akure are about to get a lot louder as Democracy Park, Oja Oba, prepares to host the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Southwest 3×3 Basketball Challenge from May 16-17, 2026.
Organized by the Southwest Basketball Association, the tournament will bring together top 3×3 squads from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. Teams arrive May 15, with games tipping off the following day and the final set for May 17.
The event is positioned as a grassroots talent pipeline for the region. According to Southwest representative on the Nigeria Basketball Federation board, Olumide Oyedeji, the challenge is focused on identifying young players and building a stronger 3×3 culture across the Southwest. Oyedeji, who also heads the organizing committee, said fans can expect “top-level entertainment and a well-coordinated tournament” worthy of the region’s biggest grassroots event.
Support for the tournament comes from the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose backing has been credited with giving youth and sports development in the Southwest a significant push.
Organizers say the branding and setup are designed to reflect regional unity, using the competition as a platform for youth engagement, talent discovery, and stronger ties among the six states.
For basketball fans in Akure, it means three days of fast-paced action, sharp shooting, and the kind of court battles that 3×3 is known for.
