By Ijeoma Okigbo
The Students Sports Federation of Nigeria (SSFON) and Amalgamation of Regional Youth Organisations of Nigeria (ARYON) have called for the repositioning of Nigerian basketball ahead of the NBBF election.
The groups made the call in a joint statement on Wednesday signed by their Presidents-General, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi and Comrade Anthony Danjuma, respectively.
They said the Oct. 15 election should focus on the future development of basketball rather than personalities, propaganda and personal attacks.
According to them, the NBBF presidency requires vision, capacity, integrity, innovation and commitment to building a sustainable basketball ecosystem.
The groups said experience remained valuable but should be used to drive progress rather than stagnation within the federation.
“The fundamental question before the delegates is clear: What does each aspirant intend to build, how will that vision be executed?”
”We reject attempts to describe younger aspirants with progressive ideas as “outsiders”, describing generational renewal as necessary for institutional growth.
“Nigerian basketball requires structured administration, institutional stability, grassroots development, sustainable domestic leagues and modern sporting facilities,” they said.
Other priorities identified include improved athlete welfare, increased private sector investment and clear pathways for young players to progress to elite competitions.
The groups expressed concern over what they described as character assassination and smear campaigns against younger aspirants.
They referred specifically to allegations that a leading young candidate was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption.
The organisations said their findings indicated that the candidate voluntarily honoured an EFCC invitation, provided clarifications and left without hindrance.
“There was no pending corruption charges, indictments or official EFCC statements establishing wrongdoing against this candidate.
“We have formally communicated with the EFCC concerning the matter and have warned against spreading unsubstantiated allegations,” they added.
The organisations also urged delegates to assess aspirants based on their manifestos, policy frameworks, administrative records and strategic vision.
They also argued that professional or public service engagements should not automatically disqualify candidates from seeking leadership of sports federations.
They urged delegates to scrutinise the records and plans of all aspirants and elect the candidate with the most credible development roadmap.
The groups were confident that the election would usher in institutional renewal, unity, private investment, talent development and sustainable structures.
They said the election should mark a decisive shift toward purposeful development and restore public confidence in Nigerian basketball.
“Nigerian basketball cannot remain in continuous contestation. The time to build, unite, develop, and win is now,” they said.
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three candidates have formally declared interest for the NBBF Presidency.
They are Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director -General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) as well as former D’Tigers players, Ejike Ugboaja and Olumide Oyedeji.
The Oct. 15 election is scheduled for Abuja. (NAN)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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