FIBA Recognises Kida-Led NBBF Board, Sets October 15 Election Deadline

FIBA Recognises Kida-Led NBBF Board, Sets October 15 Election Deadline

By Niyi Busari 

The global basketball governing body, FIBA, has formally recognised the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) under Musa Kida, while setting a deadline of October 15, 2026, for the federation’s next elective congress, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision was conveyed in a letter dated March 16, 2026, addressed to the NBBF Secretary, in which FIBA outlined its position on the federation’s governance and electoral timeline.

According to the correspondence, the current NBBF board will remain in office until October 15, 2026. FIBA also directed that elections into the federation’s governing body must take place after the conclusion of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, scheduled for September 13, 2026, and no later than the stipulated October deadline.

In addition, FIBA stated that it would not recognise any amendments to the NBBF statutes until the electoral process has been completed.

Reacting to the development, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, urged stakeholders within the basketball community to align with FIBA’s directive.

“I want to appeal to all basketball stakeholders to abide by FIBA’s decisions. FIBA has spoken, and that should bring an end to the divisions within the basketball fraternity,” Olopade said.

FIBA, in its letter, noted that it has closely monitored governance issues within the NBBF since 2017, particularly during election cycles which have often been marked by disputes. The body recalled that tensions surrounding the federation’s leadership previously led to Nigeria’s withdrawal from a major international competition and prompted disciplinary measures before stability was restored in October 2022.

The latest directive is expected to provide a framework for a more orderly and inclusive electoral process later this year.