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The National Sports Commission (NSC) has welcomed the position of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) confirming that retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu faces no regulatory impediment in serving on the newly elected board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
In a letter dated October 19, 2026 and addressed to NBBF President, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis confirmed that Ahmedu has been a member of FIBA bodies since 1997, making him the longest-serving Nigerian within the international basketball governing structure.
The clarification reinforces the NSC’s position on Ahmedu’s place in Nigerian basketball administration, following concerns raised by the Commission over his absence from the NBBF elective congress in Abuja.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said FIBA’s position was consistent with the concerns he personally raised during the congress, particularly over the need to recognize Ahmedu’s longstanding service to the sport.
“Everyone who attended the elective congress in Abuja will recall that I personally questioned why Col. Sam Ahmedu was not recognized as part of the electoral process. I also made my reservations known to the immediate past NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida,” Hon. Olopade said.
“If we must see genuine reconciliations by preaching peace, then fairness, equity and transparency must guide our actions at all times. These are fundamental principles that the Commission upholds in its drive to strengthen sports administration in Nigeria,” he said.
Olopade expressed optimism that FIBA’s clarification would help strengthen confidence in the new NBBF board and create a more stable environment for basketball development in the country.
“Basketball is one of our key sports, and we believe this development will further strengthen the credibility of the new NBBF board and position it to focus on the real task of developing the game, improving its structures and creating greater opportunities for Nigerian players,” he added.
The NSC reiterated its commitment to promoting fairness, accountability and effective governance across Nigeria’s sports federations, stressing that strong institutions and inclusive leadership remain critical to the sustainable development of sports in the country.
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