FERWABA Lifts One-Year Ban on Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo

The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) has lifted the one-year suspension imposed on Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo Olenga after accepting their apologies and holding talks with APR Basketball Club. The decision was announced on Friday, July 10, 2026, following a meeting between FERWABA and APR BBC on July 8. In a statement, FERWABA said it accepted apology letters submitted by APR BBC and the two players, leading to the removal of their suspension. The federation also noted that APR BBC committed to respecting future national team call-ups. FERWABA emphasized that representing Rwanda is

The Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) has lifted the one-year suspension imposed on Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo Olenga after accepting their apologies and holding talks with APR Basketball Club. The decision was announced on Friday, July 10, 2026, following a meeting between FERWABA and APR BBC on July 8. In a statement, FERWABA said it accepted apology letters submitted by APR BBC and the two players, leading to the removal of their suspension. The federation also noted that APR BBC committed to respecting future national team call-ups. FERWABA emphasized that representing Rwanda is an honor that comes with patriotism, discipline, and respect, regardless of other interests. Ntore and Mpoyo were suspended after failing to report for Rwanda's national team despite being released by their club. The sanction was based on a rule adopted by FERWABA's General Assembly in December 2025, stating that any player who declines a national team call-up without justification will face a one-year ban from all basketball activities in Rwanda. The two players were among the key members of RSSB Tigers BBC, helping the club make history by winning the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title—the first-ever BAL championship won by a Rwandan team.