IBADAN — The fifth edition of the Dreams Basketball Tournament tipped off in Ibadan on Wednesday, August 12, with a thrilling opening day that produced comebacks, high-scoring encounters and a major statement from defending champions Showtyme Hoopers.
The tournament, being held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, brings together veterans and emerging talents in a competition designed to give players the opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition while gaining valuable competitive experience.
The developmental philosophy behind the tournament dates back to its earlier editions. Tournament sponsor and host Tunji Soroye, a former national basketball player and founder of Just Help Africa, has previously explained that the competition was established to help young players discover their strengths, identify areas for improvement and develop through regular competitive basketball.
The 2026 edition, however, has already shown that development and competition can go hand in hand.
Showtyme survive Beavers scare
The opening game immediately lived up to expectations as back-to-back champions Showtyme Hoopers were pushed to the limit by Beavers Basketball.
Beavers made the stronger start, taking control of the opening quarter and finishing it with a 21–11 lead.
But the defending champions responded with the experience that has made them one of the tournament’s most successful sides.
Led by their star player Mohammed Aminu, Showtyme gradually turned the game around, cutting into Beavers’ advantage before taking control. They went into the next phase of the contest with a 35–31 advantage and eventually completed the comeback with a 77–71 victory.
The result underlined Showtyme’s resilience and immediately established them as one of the teams to beat again this year.
Their pedigree is well established. Showtyme won the 2024 men’s tournament, defeating Hoop Dreams Nigeria 74–49 in the final. They also reached the 2025 final, where they faced the University of Ibadan after defeating Ebun Comets 78–71 in the semifinal.
With another victory under their belt, the defending champions have begun their latest title defence in impressive fashion.
Rising Stars complete remarkable comeback
The day’s second encounter produced one of the biggest comebacks of the opening round.
Akure Raiders appeared to have the game firmly under control after building a commanding 27-point advantage.
However, Rising Stars refused to surrender.
They produced a remarkable turnaround, gradually eating into the Raiders’ huge lead before completing the comeback and securing a 56–49 victory.
The result was a reminder that no lead is safe in tournament basketball and ensured Rising Stars secured their place in the quarter-finals.
UI overcome Vision Sports Academy
The third game brought together University of Ibadan and Vision Sports Academy in what proved to be a fascinating contest between experience and emerging talent.
The University of Ibadan eventually prevailed 85–74, producing one of the highest-scoring performances of the opening day.
UI’s victory is particularly significant given their recent history in the competition.
In the 2025 edition, the university side reached the final after defeating Deep Bond 79–72 in the semifinal.
Their latest victory suggests that UI remain serious contenders for the Dreams Basketball crown and could once again be among the teams challenging for the title.
Gidi Giants win Lagos-Deltans battle
The final game of the day was another entertaining contest, with Gidi Giants taking on Delta Force.
The encounter developed into a back-and-forth battle, with both sides trading baskets and refusing to give the other much breathing room.
Gidi Giants eventually produced the decisive moments to defeat Delta Force 78–66, securing their passage into the quarter-finals.
Their victory completes an intriguing knockout line-up featuring the defending champions, last year’s finalists and several ambitious challengers.
Tunde Popoola targets national status
Speaking after the opening day’s action, tournament coordinator Mr Tunde Popoola expressed optimism about the future of the Dreams Basketball Tournament.
Popoola said the competition has the potential to grow significantly, expressing the ambition that within the next five years, the Dreams Basketball Tournament will become a national competition.
That ambition would represent another major step in the evolution of an event that has steadily expanded its reach.
The tournament’s earlier editions were initially dominated by teams from Oyo State before attracting participants from outside the state. In 2024, for instance, teams from outside Oyo State were brought into the competition, with organisers highlighting the increased competitiveness that resulted.
The 2025 edition further broadened the field, featuring teams from locations including Ibadan, Ilorin, Lagos and Abeokuta.
The 2026 tournament continues that expansion, with teams from different parts of the region converging on Ibadan.
Quarter-final battles set
With the opening-day results now decided, the quarter-final line-up promises another round of intense basketball.
The defending champions Showtyme Hoopers will face Vision Sports Academy, while Rising Stars will battle Delta Force.
The University of Ibadan will take on Beavers Basketball, setting up another interesting contest after Beavers’ impressive showing against Showtyme despite ultimately falling to the champions.
The final quarter-final will see Gidi Giants face Akure Raiders, giving the Raiders an opportunity to respond after their dramatic collapse against Rising Stars.
Quarter-final fixtures
Showtyme Hoopers vs Vision Sports Academy
Rising Stars vs Delta Force
University of Ibadan vs Beavers Basketball
Gidi Giants vs Akure Raiders
Who will stop Showtyme?
The biggest question heading into the knockout stage is whether anyone can dethrone Showtyme Hoopers.
The champions have already demonstrated one of the most important qualities required to win a tournament: the ability to recover when things are not going according to plan.
Trailing Beavers by 10 points after the opening quarter, Showtyme eventually turned the game around to win by six.
But their quarter-final against Vision Sports Academy could present a completely different challenge.
UI, meanwhile, will enter their meeting with Beavers with confidence following their 85–74 victory over Vision Sports Academy. Their recent run in the competition makes them another team with legitimate championship ambitions.
Rising Stars will also carry momentum after their stunning comeback against Akure Raiders, while Gidi Giants will be hoping their 12-point victory over Delta Force is the beginning of a deep run in the competition.
The final is scheduled for Saturday at the Basketball Court of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, where a new champion—or a familiar one—will eventually be crowned.
For AfroSportNews, the question is simple: can anyone stop Showtyme Hoopers from making it three in a row?
