Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 4 News: Cameroon prepares for 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, DR Congo prospect Noé Cuma Toto signs with ASVEL, and the Central African Republic awaits pivotal federation elections as Thierry Darlan signs with Santa Clara.
Last Updated on
September 25, 2025
Cameroon’s basketball scene is buzzing with activity as the national team and club sides intensify preparations for major continental challenges. The Indomitable Lions are gearing up for the FIBA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will be staged in Tunisia.
Drawn in Group A alongside Libya, Cape Verde, and South Sudan, Cameroon faces a tough but exciting test. The technical staff focuses on blending veteran leaders with emerging talent, emphasizing physical conditioning, defensive organization, and offensive versatility. Officials from the Cameroon Basketball Federation have stressed the importance of securing early victories to establish a strong foundation for a successful qualifying campaign.
At the domestic level, the recently concluded National Championship crowned BEAC Basketball as men’s champions, reaffirming their status as one of the country’s most consistent clubs. In the women’s category, FAP Basketball took the top prize, while Overdose Up Station earned recognition as vice-champions. These teams will now shift their focus to international competition, as they prepare for the FIBA Zone 4 qualifiers. These qualifiers serve as the gateway to two prestigious continental tournaments: the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for men and the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) for women.
BEAC Basketball aims to secure Cameroon’s presence in the BAL, which has evolved into a premier showcase of African talent and a platform for international exposure. Meanwhile, FAP Basketball and Overdose Up Station are determined to make their mark in the WBLA.
This rapidly expanding competition highlights the rising standards of women’s basketball on the continent. With both national and club representatives entering critical phases of preparation, Cameroonian basketball stands at a pivotal moment. Success in these qualifiers would not only elevate the country’s reputation but also inspire a new generation of players and fans across the nation.
DR Congo’s rising basketball talent, Noé Cuma Toto, is making headlines with reports linking him to a move to French giants LDLC ASVEL, specifically their Espoirs (U21) squad, for the 2025–26 season.
Local Congolese media outlets, including Kimfumu, have reported that the 18-year-old shooting guard is en route to France to begin a new chapter in his career. Sources suggest that the transfer is pending final details, including a medical evaluation, but is expected to be completed soon.
Born on December 24, 2006, Cuma Toto has already attracted attention with his performances at youth levels and is seen as one of the promising guards emerging from DR Congo’s basketball pipeline. His move to ASVEL, a club with a strong domestic and European pedigree, could provide the perfect platform to accelerate his development.
While official confirmation from ASVEL’s main channels has not yet been released, Cuma Toto’s move has gained traction on social media, with posts indicating his departure for France. If finalized, this transfer would be a significant step for both the player and Congolese basketball, highlighting the growing visibility of African talent in European competitions. Fans will now await ASVEL’s official announcement to mark the beginning of his French adventure.
On October 30, 2025, the Central African Basketball Federation will conduct elections to select its new president, marking a crucial step in the country’s governance of the sport. A significant opportunity to enhance basketball’s structures, enhance player development, and expand international partnerships. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, noting that the federation’s leadership plays a crucial role in guiding the national program and supporting young talent.
With basketball remaining one of the most popular sports in the Central African Republic, the outcome of this election will have long-term consequences for the game’s growth at both grassroots and professional levels.
In parallel with these national developments, Central African rising star Thierry Serge Darlan made headlines by signing a new contract with Santa Clara University. Darlan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising basketball prospects, has already impressed scouts with his athleticism, skill, and vision on the court.
His decision to continue his career with Santa Clara not only strengthens the team’s roster but also highlights the increasing visibility of African talent on the global stage. For the Central African basketball community, these two milestones, the election of new leadership and Darlan’s signing, represent both renewed hope and exciting opportunities for the future.
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