Cotonou, Benin — 2025-12-27 Basketball Tournament in Cotonou Promotes Unity Among West African Youth.
The third edition of The Last Last, a regional basketball tournament, recently took place in Cotonou, Benin, uniting teams from Benin, Togo, Nigeria, and Ghana.
The event, organized by The Future association, aimed to foster unity and cultural exchange among the youth of West Africa.
Held during the festive season, the tournament attracted players, families, and partners from across the region. General Commissioner Sot Fabrice Comlan emphasized the event’s goal of creating a space for young people from different countries to meet, celebrate, and build lasting connections.
Participants highlighted the tournament’s value beyond the competition.
Sot Samiratou Aboudou, a player, noted, “It allows me to discover other talents and new moves I didn’t know before. It helps me learn, and I think it benefits everyone.”
The Last Last, which took place against a backdrop of ongoing political tensions in parts of West Africa, was seen as an alternative space where respect, fair play, and unity were prioritized.
Dr. Ismahinl Onifadé, president of the Beninese Basketball Federation, praised youth-driven events for fostering cohesion and allowing young people to thrive when given opportunities away from political divisions.
The event also drew regional and international figures, including Hammadoun Sidibé, founder of the Quai 54 streetball tournament, who described The Last Last as a driver of development in Africa and Benin in particular.
In addition to basketball, The Last Last included sexual education awareness sessions to promote health and responsibility among young athletes.
The association also donated food supplies to an orphanage in Cotonou, reflecting the event’s strong civic commitment.
According to organizers, such initiatives contribute to the broader goal of promoting unity and understanding among the youth of West Africa, transcending political and cultural boundaries.
Further details are expected as the tournament continues to foster connections and promote positive change in the region.
