By Our Correspondent, Abuja
President-elect of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has pledged a sweeping overhaul of Nigerian basketball, promising grassroots development, stronger domestic leagues, improved players’ welfare and transparent administration.
Abdullahi, who described his election as the beginning of a new era, said his administration would abandon business as usual and implement reforms to reposition the sport for sustainable growth and international success.
In his acceptance speech, he identified talent development, improved facilities, investment in coaches and referees, women’s basketball and institutional reforms as key priorities.
“My presidency will mark a decisive departure from business as usual. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result,” he declared.
The NBBF president-elect promised to strengthen D’Tigers, D’Tigress and the youth teams while building a system that gives talented youngsters across the country a clear pathway to national representation.
He said the federation would also pursue partnerships with corporate Nigeria, international basketball institutions and Nigerians in the diaspora to attract investment, create jobs and make the sport commercially sustainable.
“Our game must become not only a source of national pride but also a sustainable industry that creates jobs, attracts investment and rewards excellence,” he said.
Abdullahi disclosed that his administration would unveil a comprehensive implementation blueprint in the coming weeks, outlining concrete programmes, measurable targets and strategies for delivering its transformation agenda.
He also promised accountability, insisting that every commitment must translate into action and produce tangible benefits for athletes and other stakeholders.
Calling for unity after the election, Abdullahi extended an olive branch to those who opposed his candidacy, urging players, coaches, referees, clubs and state associations to work together to advance the game.
“The election is over; the work begins now. There will be no division in our pursuit of progress, no place for complacency, and no retreat from accountability,” he said.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, the president-elect recalled playing basketball without proper shoes and borrowing money to acquire them. He said his experiences had strengthened his resolve to create better opportunities for upcoming players.
Abdullahi stressed that talent alone could not deliver success without discipline, effective administration, strong institutions and deliberate investment.
He said his administration would be judged by the opportunities it creates, the institutions it strengthens and the progress it delivers, rather than promises.
“Our mandate is clear: to move Nigerian basketball from potential to podium, from promise to performance, and from fragmented efforts to enduring excellence,” he declared.
He rallied the basketball community around his administration’s vision of “One Game. One Family. One United Nigeria.”
, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has pledged a sweeping overhaul of Nigerian basketball, promising grassroots development, stronger domestic leagues, improved players’ welfare and transparent administration.){kind=link}