The newly elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Mustapha Abdullahi, has pledged to unite stakeholders, strengthen grassroots development and improve players’ welfare as part of efforts to transform Nigerian basketball.
Abdullahi made the commitment in his acceptance speech after his election in Abuja, assuring basketball stakeholders that his administration would build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership while introducing reforms to improve the game at all levels.
“Leadership, they say, is not power, but it is a responsibility and a commitment to serve,” he said, describing his victory as one that belonged to the entire basketball family, including players, coaches, referees, administrators and supporters.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Abdullahi recalled the challenges he faced growing up, including borrowing money to buy basketball shoes and enduring injuries and other difficulties.
He said those experiences strengthened his conviction that poverty and circumstances should not prevent young Nigerians from realising their potential through basketball.
The new NBBF president outlined an ambitious agenda focused on grassroots development, improved domestic competitions, stronger sponsorship, better infrastructure and enhanced welfare for players.
He pledged to strengthen school and community basketball programmes while establishing clearer pathways to club participation, scholarships and national team selection.
Abdullahi also promised to pay greater attention to players’ medical care, education and post-playing careers, while investing in the training of coaches, referees and technical officials.
“Nigeria has the talent to excel. Our task is to build a system that discovers that talent, develops it and gives it a fair opportunity to succeed. We will begin at the grassroots,” he mentioned.
“Strengthening schools and community basketball while creating clearer pathways to club participation, scholarships and national team selection. We will work towards dependable domestic leads.”
“We declare competition calendars, stronger sponsorship and a better condition for players. Their welfare, medical care, education and opportunities after their playing careers must receive serious attention,” the NBBF boss highlighted.
He said the senior men’s national team, the D’Tigers, and the youth teams would receive support through early preparation, transparent selection processes and professional planning.
The new administration, he added, would deliberately promote women’s basketball and create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
To achieve these objectives, Abdullahi said the federation would pursue strategic partnerships to improve facilities, attract investment and generate sustainable revenue for the development of the sport.
He further promised an accountable administration that would respect the NBBF constitution and applicable International Basketball Federation (FIBA) regulations, while prioritising transparency, financial reporting and measurable results.
As part of his first 100-day agenda, Abdullahi announced plans to conduct institutional and facilities audits, engage stakeholders, pursue reconciliation, publish a unified competition calendar and develop a four-year strategic plan with clear priorities and performance benchmarks.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership, particularly Musa Kida, stressing that his administration would not discard the progress already made.
“We are not coming to start afresh. We are coming to consolidate,” he said, adding that his administration would strive to surpass the achievements of its predecessor.
Dr Abdullahi emphasised that unity would be central to his leadership, promising to bring all basketball stakeholders to the same table to contribute to the growth of the game.
He assured Nigerians that the new board would hit the ground running and work to deliver tangible improvements across the sport.
“This office is a public trust, and I intend to honour it,” Abdullahi said, expressing confidence that the federation could move Nigerian basketball from potential to podium.
Earlier, Abdullahi secured 40 of the 48 votes cast to emerge victorious, defeating former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji and former international Ejike Ugboaja in the process.
In a related development, Ugo Udezue emerged as NBBF Vice-President unopposed, having been the sole candidate for the position.
