The newly elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has reflected on his humble beginnings in basketball, recalling a time when he had to borrow money to buy basketball shoes as a young player in Northern Nigeria.
Abdullahi, who is the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, was elected president of the NBBF at the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja on Thursday, October 15. He secured 48 votes to defeat former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who received eight votes, while Ejike Ugboaja did not record any vote.
For Abdullahi, the election represents a significant moment in a journey that began on grassroots basketball courts, where his passion for the sport continued despite the financial difficulties he faced as a young enthusiast.
Recalling those early days, the new NBBF president said his determination to remain involved in basketball, even when resources were limited, has shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by young athletes across the country.
He said his experience has strengthened his commitment to building a basketball system where young talents can access better opportunities and pursue their ambitions without being held back by financial difficulties.
“This is more than a personal milestone; it is a call to serve and a commitment to the future of Nigerian basketball,” Abdullahi said.
He promised to work closely with players, coaches, officials, administrators, sponsors and other stakeholders to take the sport to a higher level, while using basketball as a platform to create opportunities and positively engage young people.
Abdullahi also expressed his determination to expand the game at the grassroots, inspire a new generation of players and create an environment where basketball can contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of young Nigerians.
His emergence has already generated optimism among stakeholders, many of whom believe his experience in organising basketball activities could help strengthen the sport and unlock new commercial opportunities.
Morpheus Major Idoko, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Graffiti Basketball and Music, said Abdullahi’s previous contributions to the development of basketball had given stakeholders reasons to expect more from his administration.
According to him, areas such as media rights, merchandising, ticket sales, food and beverage services and other commercial activities could provide the federation with additional revenue while helping the basketball ecosystem grow.
He said Abdullahi had already demonstrated his ability to create value through his individual efforts and expressed confidence that those efforts could have an even greater impact now that he has the opportunity to lead the federation.
Major Idoko added that the potential benefits would extend across the basketball community, including players, coaches, administrators and other professionals whose livelihoods are connected to the sport.
There is also optimism among match officials that the new administration will pay greater attention to their development.
National referee Daniel Jonah said he expects the federation to organise more training clinics, seminars and other capacity building programmes that would help officials improve their knowledge and performance.
He noted that competent officials are essential to maintaining the quality and credibility of basketball competitions.
Players are equally hopeful that the new leadership will create more avenues for them to compete and develop their careers.
Paul Solomon Dibal, who represented the players, said Abdullahi’s election could lead to an increase in tournaments and provide athletes with more opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Meanwhile, Ugo Udezue emerged as vice president and will also represent the South East zone on the NBBF board.
Other zonal representatives elected to the board are Abba Abdullair Kaka for the North East, Yusuf Surajo for the North West, Hon. Fubara Vincent for the South South and Babatunde Ogunade for the South West, while Abdullahi will represent the North Central zone.
The new board also has Sule Mohammed as the technical representative, DC Lucky Aliyu as the players’ representative, Emmanuel Iza representing corporate sponsors, Bamiduro Olumide representing NAPHER SD and Prof. Florence Adeyanju representing the Nigerian Association of Women in Sports.
With the new leadership now in place, attention will turn to how the administration translates its promises into practical reforms, expands opportunities for players and strengthens the structure of Nigerian basketball at both grassroots and elite levels.
