Ex-Plateau Peaks Player Backs Abdullahi For NBBF Presidency, Calls For ‘New Playbook’

Former Plateau Peaks player Etudaiye Suleiman Hassan has urged Dr Mustapha Abdullahi to contest the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), arguing that Nigerian basketball needs a change of direction and fresh leadership.

With the NBBF elective Congress and presidential election scheduled for October 2026, Hassan said the basketball community should look beyond established approaches and consider leadership capable of introducing new ideas to the administration and development of the sport.

In a statement titled “Time for a New Playbook: Why Dr Mustapha Abdullahi Should Lead the NBBF”, Hassan said the federation’s challenges require “new thinking, fresh ideas and courageous leadership”.

He argued that repeatedly applying the same methods while expecting different results could hinder the growth of Nigerian basketball.

“The NBBF cannot afford to continue doing the same things repeatedly while expecting a radically different outcome,” Hassan said.

According to him, Abdullahi’s involvement in the DAM Foundation Championship in Okene, Kogi State, particularly its annual December competition, provides evidence of his commitment to basketball development.

Hassan said the championship has created opportunities for players and other members of the basketball community through competition and exposure, describing it as an example of Abdullahi’s willingness to commit ideas and resources to the development of the sport.

“The case for Dr Abdullahi begins with innovation,” he said.

“His involvement with the DAM Foundation Championship, hosted every December in Okene, provides a practical demonstration of his ability to create and sustain initiatives around basketball.”

The former Plateau Peaks player also highlighted what he described as Abdullahi’s accessibility and concern for the welfare of people involved in the sport.

He argued that the NBBF presidency should not be reduced to administration, insisting that the federation’s leadership must remain connected to players, coaches, officials, staff and other stakeholders.

“A president of the NBBF must be approachable to players, coaches, officials, staff and stakeholders and must understand that welfare is not an afterthought but a fundamental pillar of sustainable sports development,” Hassan said.

He further pointed to Abdullahi’s professional experience as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, as well as his interactions with players who have participated in the DAM Foundation Championship, as indications of a leadership style centred on people.

Hassan believes such an approach could result in greater attention to the welfare of players and NBBF staff if Abdullahi emerges as federation president.

Beyond organising competitions, Hassan said Abdullahi had also supported members of the basketball community through donations and other forms of assistance.

He particularly cited efforts to facilitate employment opportunities, including opportunities in the federal civil service, as evidence of a broader commitment to improving the lives of people associated with basketball.

“Basketball development is ultimately about human beings,” he said.

“A strong federation must not only produce athletes; it must create pathways through which athletes, officials and other stakeholders can build dignified and sustainable lives.”

Call for fresh ideas

Hassan’s endorsement comes as stakeholders prepare for what promises to be a closely watched NBBF election, with the federation expected to elect a new leadership team in October.

He maintained that Nigerian basketball has the talent required to compete at the highest level but needs a stronger administrative framework to fully harness that potential.

He identified grassroots development, competitions, player welfare, sponsorship, infrastructure, commercialisation, talent identification and international engagement as areas requiring fresh approaches.

“Talent alone cannot build a globally competitive basketball system,” he said.

According to Hassan, Abdullahi’s exposure through travels within Nigeria, Africa and beyond could enable him to bring different perspectives and ideas to the federation.

He believes such exposure could help the NBBF examine successful basketball development models outside its traditional operating environment and adapt relevant practices to Nigeria.

“Dr Abdullahi’s wealth of ideas and exposure acquired through travels within and outside Africa could bring new perspectives to these challenges and help the federation examine successful models beyond its traditional operating environment,” Hassan said.

The former Plateau Peaks player therefore called on Abdullahi to “throw his hat into the ring”, saying his emergence would provide the basketball community with an opportunity to consider a different leadership philosophy ahead of the October election.

Hassan’s statement is effectively an appeal for the NBBF electorate to make innovation, welfare and broader basketball development central issues in the forthcoming election, rather than simply maintaining the existing administrative approach.

As the electoral process gathers momentum, the question of who can provide the NBBF with a fresh strategic direction is expected to become an increasingly important part of the debate among Nigeria’s basketball stakeholders.