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Ghana's Team Boomers Crowned 2025 African 3x3 Champions in Addis Ababa

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 2:15 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

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Team Boomers Clinch the 2025 African Basketball Festival 3x3 Title

The Ghanaian national 3x3 side, famously known as the “Team Boomers,” lifted the trophy at the 2025 African Basketball Festival (ABF) 3x3 tournament, held in a glittering venue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 7 – 12 March. The triumph marked Ghana’s first continental championship in the fast‑paced format and reaffirmed the country’s growing prominence in African basketball.

The Road to the Finals

The ABF 3x3 is a relatively new but rapidly expanding competition that gathers the best 3‑on‑3 teams from across the continent. In 2025 the tournament featured 20 teams representing 20 countries, split into four groups for the preliminary round. Ghana was placed in Group B alongside Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria. The Boomers’ opening match was a narrow 18‑16 win over Kenya, thanks to a clutch 3‑point play by junior guard Joseph “Jock” Aboagye. Their second group match was a convincing 24‑14 victory over Morocco, with center‑forward Kofi “Big K” Bempah sinking a key defensive rebound that sparked a quick transition.

In the final group game, Ghana faced Nigeria, a perennial power in 3x3. The match was a tight 21‑19 contest, but it was Ghana’s veteran point‑guard, Emmanuel “Emu” Quaye, who stole the ball and sliced through the defence for an alley‑oop to give the Boomers a narrow lead. Ghana finished the group stage at the top of Group B with a 3‑0 record, advancing to the knockout bracket.

The quarter‑finals saw the Boomers host Egypt. Ghana’s dynamic playmaking, combined with a disciplined defensive scheme, allowed them to win 23‑16. The semi‑final against Algeria was the most dramatic of the tournament. Algeria led 15‑13 at the end of the first half, but Ghana rallied in the second half. With 4.5 seconds left, Emu Quaye hit a decisive 3‑point shot to push Ghana to a 19‑17 win and a spot in the final.

The Final Show‑down

The championship game matched Ghana against Tunisia, a team that had dominated the group stages with a 27‑14 victory over Kenya. The match opened with Tunisia seizing an early 6‑0 lead. However, the Boomers answered with a swift counter‑attack, and the game quickly turned into a back‑and‑forth affair.

In the third quarter, Ghana’s power forward, Michael “Mikey” Nkrumah, showcased his strength by grabbing 6 rebounds and scoring 5 points. His performance was pivotal in a 14‑10 run that gave Ghana a 22‑20 lead at the end of the third quarter. Tunisia tied the game at 22‑22 with 1 minute left, but Ghana’s defense held firm, forcing two turnovers that were converted into fast‑break points.

With 8 seconds remaining, the Boomers’ coach, Kwame Agyapong, called a timeout and instructed the team to run a “fast‑break set” to create a gap. Junior guard, Kofi “Koko” Mensah, received the ball at the free‑throw line and hit a game‑winning 3‑point shot, sealing a 25‑22 victory for Ghana.

Key Performances and Awards

The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Emmanuel “Emu” Quaye, who averaged 12 points and 4 assists per game throughout the tournament. His leadership on the floor and ability to hit clutch shots were decisive in Ghana’s success.

Other standout performers included:

The Boomers were also recognized for their defensive prowess, ranking first in steals and second in defensive rebounds in the tournament.

Significance of the Victory

This victory is more than a trophy; it represents a milestone for Ghanaian basketball. The 3x3 format has gained massive popularity in Africa, offering a quicker, more spectator‑friendly version of the sport. The Ghana Basketball Association (GBA) views this championship as a launchpad for future development, including youth academies and professional leagues.

In a press conference following the final, GBA president, Mr. Kojo Osei, remarked: “Our players have shown that with discipline, teamwork and confidence, we can compete with the best. This victory fuels our ambition to host an African 3x3 championship in Ghana next year.”

The Ghana Football Federation, although focused on football, also highlighted the cross‑sport synergy: “Success in basketball boosts national pride and encourages investment in grassroots sports.”

Looking Ahead

The Boomers’ triumph has already sparked a surge of interest in 3x3 basketball across Ghana. Local clubs are revamping their training programs, and several young talents are being scouted by European clubs. Ghana’s next international fixture will be the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, where the Boomers will face global competition. The team’s coach emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum: “We have a core that knows how to play together. Now we must keep improving our conditioning and shooting to remain competitive.”

Sources and Further Reading

• GhanaWeb – Sports Archive (original article)
• Ghana Basketball Association – “Team Boomers – 2025 ABF 3x3 Final”
• FIBA Africa – 3x3 Competition Rules – provides context on tournament structure
• Ethiopian Sports Daily – coverage of the Addis Ababa venue and local reception

In Summary

The 2025 African Basketball Festival 3x3 tournament saw the Ghanaian “Team Boomers” capture their first continental championship, edging out Tunisia 25‑22 in a thrilling final. With standout performances from Emmanuel “Emu” Quaye, Joseph “Jock” Aboagye, and Michael “Mikey” Nkrumah, the Boomers’ disciplined defense and clutch shooting carried them through every round. This victory not only cements Ghana’s status as a rising basketball power on the African continent but also sets the stage for a broader growth of the sport in the country, with plans to host future championships and nurture new talent.