Nigerian Basketball: NSC Calls For Unity Ahead Of Federation Elections

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged all Nigerian basketball stakeholders to prioritise the sport’s interests as the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) prepares for its elections later this year.

With the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) calling for organised elections under existing statutes and internal regulations, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, appealed to everyone within the Nigerian basketball community to put unity and the sport’s development above personal agendas.

“This is a crucial moment for basketball in Nigeria. We must all put the game first. The future of our athletes, our national teams, and our global standing depends on collective responsibility and adherence to due process,” Olopade stated in a press release issued on Wednesday by his Special Advisor for Media, Kola Daniel.

“FIBA has provided a clear pathway with the new election timeline. I urge all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, respect the regulations, and work together to ensure a credible, transparent, and widely accepted electoral process.”

In its communication, FIBA noted that the tenure of the current NBBF Board has been extended until 15th October 2026. Elections for a new board must be conducted no earlier than 15th September 2026 and no later than 15th October 2026, following the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled for September 2026.

Hon. Olopade reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting a stable and progressive basketball structure in Nigeria, aligning with international best practices to safeguard the nation’s participation in global competitions.