By Ijeoma Okigbo
Mustapha Abdullahi, the newly elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has pledged to strengthen domestic leagues, improve players’ welfare and ensure sustainable funding for basketball development.
Abdullahi, who is the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), made the pledge in his acceptance speech after winning Thursday’s NBBF presidential election in Abuja.
He secured 40 of the 48 votes cast to defeat former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who polled eight votes.
Former international basketball player, Ejike Ugboaja received no votes, while another presidential aspirant, Igoche Mark, withdrew from the race on Wednesday over concerns about the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.
Ugo Udezue emerged as vice-president unopposed, having been the sole candidate for the position.
Abdullahi said his administration would introduce reforms to improve competition organisation, grassroots development and opportunities for emerging talents.
He said the reforms would address players’ medical care, education and post-retirement opportunities, while improving conditions for coaches, referees and technical officials.
“We will work towards dependable domestic leagues with a clear competition calendar, stronger sponsorship and better conditions for players,” he said.
Abdullahi said school and community basketball would receive attention, alongside improved pathways to club participation, scholarships and national team selection.
He also pledged greater support for the national teams, including D’Tigers, D’Tigress and youth teams, through early preparation, fair selection and professional planning.
“Women’s basketball and opportunities for athletes with disabilities will receive deliberate attention,” he said.
The NBBF president said his administration would pursue partnerships to improve facilities, attract investment and generate sustainable revenue to support basketball development nationwide.
He added that accountability, transparency and respect for the NBBF Constitution and applicable International Basketball Federation (FIBA) regulations would guide the federation’s operations.
Abdullahi said his administration would begin an institutional and facilities audit within its first 100 days.
“We will also convene stakeholders’ engagement, pursue reconciliation, publish a unified competition calendar and develop a four-year plan,” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
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