In a vibrant and emotional atmosphere, Côte d'Ivoire’s U16 national basketball teams both boys and girls returned home to the land of their ancestors after making history at the 2025 Afrobasket U16 tournament held in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2 to 14.

Crowned champions and runners-up of Africa, the Elephanteaux were welcomed like true stars upon their arrival at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. From there to the multipurpose hall of the Palais des Sports in Treichville, their homecoming parade was marked by a wave of celebration, with many prominent Ivorian figures in attendance.

Among them was the Minister Delegate for Sports and Living Environment, Mr. Adjé Silas Metch, who accompanied the teams from the airport to the official tribute ceremony. He praised what he called an “exceptional performance that places Côte d’Ivoire at the summit of African basketball.”

President of the Ivorian Basketball Federation, Mr. Moussa Diarra, also expressed his deep pride in the achievements of the young athletes. “These young players didn’t just play in a tournament. They inspired an entire nation. They proved that unity and determination can open doors, and showed Ivorian youth that nothing is impossible,” he stated.

Team captains Ella Koné and Ezoua Atche took the floor to express their gratitude to the officials for the warm welcome and to President Diarra for his unwavering support throughout the competition.

As the nation awaits an even grander celebration at the Prime Minister's Office in the coming days, the young heroes of Rwanda fully grasp the magnitude of their achievement: African champions and officially qualified for the U17 World Cup for both girls and boys in 2026.