Kenya beat Slovenia in FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup opener

• The triumph provides an immediate boost for Kenya in a challenging Pool D, where they face tough global contenders including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Slovenia.

Kenya’s Under-23 women’s basketball team made a statement in their FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup opener, surging to an impressive 18-15 victory over Slovenia in Wuhan, China on Wednesday.

The triumph provides an immediate boost for Kenya in a challenging Pool D, where they face tough global contenders including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Slovenia.

Head coach Eunice Ouma commands a talented roster featuring Ninel Naserian (USIU-A Flames), Roseline Akinyi and Mashar Ooko (Zetech University Sparks), Consolata Odhiambo (Th3 Swish Basketball), alongside Daisy Awino and Babra Achieng (KPA Dockers).

For several squad members with prior international 3x3 experience, the Wuhan tournament marks the next chapter in their national team careers.

Prior to the team's departure, the Kenya Basketball Federation praised the squad’s path to the tournament.

"Kenya’s qualification follows a strong campaign in the FIBA Africa 3x3 U23 Nations League, where the teams gained valuable competitive experience and earned the opportunity to represent the country on the global stage. Participation in the World Cup marks another important milestone in the continued growth of 3x3 basketball in Kenya," the federation stated.

Beyond the World Cup campaign itself, the tournament offers vital ranking points and international exposure, bolstering Kenya’s development pathway toward future global competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Kenya now turns its attention to a demanding matchup against Australia later in the afternoon.