The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to prioritise the growth and unity of the sport as the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) prepares for its elections later this year.
The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, in a statement issued on Wednesday, called on all actors within the basketball ecosystem to place the game above personal interests.
“This is a crucial moment for basketball in Nigeria. We must all put the game first. The future of our athletes, national teams, and global reputation depends on collective responsibility and strict adherence to due process,” Olopade quoted in the statement.
He further urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue and ensure compliance with laid-down rules.
Olopade stated “FIBA has provided a clear pathway with the new election timeline. I encourage all parties to respect the regulations and work together to deliver a credible, transparent, and widely accepted electoral process”.
In its communication, FIBA stated that the tenure of the current NBBF board has been extended until October 15, 2026.
It also directed that elections into a new board must be conducted no earlier than September 15, 2026, and no later than October 15, 2026, after the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled for September 2026.
Olopade reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and progressive basketball structure in Nigeria to safeguard the country’s continued participation in global competitions.
