By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
Mogadishu, (Dawan Africa) July 29, 2026 — Somalia failed to take part in the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone 5 qualifiers in Cairo despite its players arriving in Egypt, with basketball officials blaming administrative delays and a leadership dispute within the national federation.
The tournament, organized by FIBA, was held in Cairo from July 23 to 29 after being relocated from Kampala, Uganda. It served as the qualifier for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Somalia was listed among the initial teams in the boys’ competition, but only six teams competed: hosts Egypt, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania. FIBA did not publicly explain Somalia’s absence.
The Somali Basketball Federation is embroiled in a dispute with Abdullahi Abdulle Hassan, known as Dhaqane, and Kooshin Abdisalan Diiriye both claiming to be the federation’s legitimate president.
Hassan says he is recognized by FIBA, while Diiriye is recognized by Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Speaking to Dawan Africa by Zoom from Cairo, Dhaqane said his administration had recruited Somali players based abroad and began preparations months before the tournament.
However, he said the players could not complete the requirements to represent Somalia because they did not receive Somali passports and their FIBA registration was not finalized before the deadline.
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“The main reason the players could not compete was the delay in their passports,” Hassan said. “When we finally submitted the documents, we were already late.”
He said the players travelled to Egypt on other countries’ passports but needed Somali passports and FIBA clearance to represent Somalia.
Dhaqane said parents spent nearly $3,000 on travel, while his federation spent about $1,560 on passport processing and preparations.
“We trusted him, gave him the money and asked him to prepare the passports,” Hassan said, referring to Diiriye. “The passports were delayed until the players could not play.”
Hassan accused Diiriye, his former first vice-president, of withholding the passports while seeking control of the federation. He also accused Youth and Sports Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali of intervening in the dispute and contacting FIBA’s regional body.
Dhaqane said the executive committee he leads was elected in August 2025 for a lawful term and could not be replaced outside the federation’s constitution.
Diiriye, meanwhile, heads a separate executive committee elected during a meeting of clubs, referees, coaches and players in late June.
Dawan Africa sought comment from Diiriye and the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the allegations and Somalia’s failure to participate, but neither had responded by publication.