NWACHUKWU BEN, ABUJA
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has congratulated Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), while confirming that veteran basketball administrator Sam Ahmedu is eligible to serve on the federation’s board.
In a letter dated October 19, 2026, FIBA congratulated Abdullahi and members of the newly elected board for the 2026–2030 tenure, welcoming what it described as the NBBF’s commitment to good governance and compliance with its constitution and applicable FIBA regulations.
The international body’s endorsement comes four days after Abdullahi emerged president at the NBBF elective congress held in Abuja on October 15, marking a significant step in the transition to a new administration.
FIBA also confirmed that Ahmedu, its most senior Nigerian representative on its boards, faces no regulatory impediment to serving on the NBBF board.
Ahmedu has been a member of FIBA bodies since 1997, giving him nearly three decades of experience within the international basketball system.
The clarification addresses the NBBF’s recent request for guidance on Ahmedu’s status and could help settle questions surrounding his eligibility to serve on the new board.
FIBA’s letter also acknowledged the support and recognition provided by relevant Nigerian authorities and stakeholders throughout the electoral process, expressing confidence in the federation’s adherence to established governance standards.
The endorsement offers the Abdullahi-led administration an important international backing as it prepares to take charge of Nigerian basketball for the next four years.
The new leadership is expected to confront longstanding challenges in the domestic game, including grassroots development, infrastructure, talent discovery, improved administration and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in international basketball.
Abdullahi, who campaigned on a New Dawn Proposition, has promised to pursue reforms aimed at rebuilding the game and creating greater opportunities for players, coaches and other stakeholders.
FIBA’s recognition of the election provides a positive starting point for the new administration as it seeks to consolidate the federation’s relationship with the world governing body and mobilise support for its development agenda.
The international federation also paid tribute to the outgoing NBBF board under Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, acknowledging its work and achievements during his leadership.
Kida, a long-standing member of the FIBA Finance Commission, received FIBA’s appreciation for his service to basketball administration.
The recognition underscores the importance of continuity and institutional stability as the federation transfers leadership from the outgoing board to Abdullahi’s team.
With the election acknowledged and Ahmedu’s eligibility clarified, attention is expected to shift to the new board’s capacity to translate its promises into tangible improvements in Nigerian basketball.
For Abdullahi, the immediate task will be to turn the goodwill surrounding his election into a credible reform programme capable of strengthening domestic competitions, improving player development and restoring sustained success for Nigeria’s national teams.