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The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has congratulated Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), urging the new administration to consolidate existing achievements and introduce reforms that will accelerate the development of basketball in Nigeria.
Shaibu, in a congratulatory message, described Abdullahi’s emergence as an indication of the confidence reposed in him by stakeholders in Nigerian basketball, expressing optimism that his leadership would create fresh opportunities for the growth of the sport.
He also commended the immediate past NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida, for his service to the federation and what he described as a peaceful transition to a new administration. Blueprint reports
The NIS chief executive called on Abdullahi to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while prioritising grassroots development, improved administration, talent identification and stronger cooperation among stakeholders.
Abdullahi emerged president at the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026, alongside Ugo Udezue, who was elected vice-president.
Abdullahi emerges president after NBBF election
Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, defeated former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji in the contest for the NBBF presidency.
Election reports indicated that Abdullahi secured 40 votes against Oyedeji’s eight, while former D’Tigers player Ejike Ugboaja recorded no votes. The reported figures put the total at 48 votes.
The election ushered in a new leadership for the federation for the 2026–2030 term, with expectations that the board would address longstanding concerns surrounding basketball administration, grassroots development, players’ welfare, domestic competitions and infrastructure.
Udezue, who was the sole candidate for the vice-presidential position, also emerged victorious. His emergence is expected to bring his experience in basketball development and sports business into the federation’s leadership.
The election followed weeks of consultations, endorsements and campaigns by aspirants seeking to lead the federation. Before the poll, Abdullahi had outlined plans centred on improving the administration of basketball, strengthening grassroots structures, developing talent and creating a more sustainable framework for the sport.
However, the election took place against the backdrop of a legal challenge over the process leading to the congress, leaving questions about the conduct of the federation’s electoral arrangements before the court.
Shaibu urges continuity, innovation
Reacting to Abdullahi’s election, Shaibu said the new president should regard his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen the structures required to sustain basketball development across the country.
He urged the incoming leadership to consolidate the achievements recorded under Kida while introducing innovative policies capable of improving the sport at grassroots and elite levels.
According to Shaibu, the development of Nigerian basketball requires a deliberate approach that combines effective administration with investment in emerging talents, improved competition structures and support for the different categories of participants in the game.
He also emphasised the importance of continuity, noting that the experience and structures established by the outgoing administration could provide a useful foundation for the new board.
The NIS director-general commended Kida for his contributions during his tenure, describing his role in the transition as worthy of emulation.
Shaibu’s message also underscored the need for sports institutions and governing bodies to work together towards common development objectives.
He reaffirmed the NIS’s commitment to supporting the NBBF in achieving its objectives, expressing optimism that cooperation between both institutions would contribute to the advancement of basketball in Nigeria.
Grassroots development, players’ welfare in focus
Abdullahi’s emergence comes at a time when stakeholders have called for stronger structures to identify and nurture young basketball talents, improve domestic competitions and establish clearer pathways from grassroots participation to professional basketball.
During his campaign, Abdullahi emphasised the need for stronger institutions, improved players’ welfare, better management of domestic leagues and sustainable investment in the game.
His proposed priorities also included developing infrastructure, strengthening talent discovery and creating opportunities for young players to progress through schools, academies, clubs and national teams.
These priorities are significant for a sport that depends on sustained investment in coaching, facilities, competitions and player development to maintain a strong talent pipeline.
The new administration will therefore be expected to work with state basketball associations, clubs, coaches, players, sponsors and other stakeholders to translate its plans into practical programmes.
Effective management of domestic competitions and improved welfare arrangements for athletes will also be important in building confidence in the federation and ensuring that talented players have opportunities to develop within the country.
For the NIS, collaboration with the NBBF offers an opportunity to support broader efforts to improve sports administration and strengthen the structures that prepare athletes for national and international competition.
Court challenge casts shadow over electoral process
Despite the emergence of a new leadership, the NBBF election was held amid a legal challenge by former basketball coach Ayodele Olaseinde Bakare, who is questioning the legality of the process leading to the elective congress.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, October 14, declined an application seeking to stop the election but fixed November 3, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2428, was instituted against the NBBF and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Bakare is challenging the validity of the extraordinary congress held in Yola, Adamawa State, alleging that the process did not comply with provisions of the federation’s constitution.
He also questioned the procedure used to convene the congress, including the notice issued to members. The court’s refusal to grant an interim order allowed the election to proceed as scheduled, but it did not amount to a final determination of the allegations.
The substantive case remains pending, with the court expected to consider the issues raised by the plaintiff at the November hearing.
The legal dispute adds to the responsibilities facing the new administration, which will need to navigate the proceedings while working to strengthen the federation’s programmes and relationships with stakeholders.
NIS pledges support for new administration
Shaibu expressed confidence that Abdullahi’s tenure could produce new milestones for Nigerian basketball, reiterating the NIS’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at improving the sport.
He urged the new president to approach the task with a clear vision, innovative thinking and a commitment to building on the work of previous administrations.
The congratulatory message was signed by Ben Ogbemudia, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Abuja.
As the new NBBF board begins its four-year term, attention will turn to how it addresses the sport’s developmental needs, strengthens its administrative structures and delivers on the promises made during the election campaign.
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