Nigerian Basketball Crisis Escalates As FIBA Set To Rule On Board Tenure

Nigerian Basketball Crisis Escalates As FIBA Set To Rule On Board Tenure

By Chinedum Ohanusi 

Fresh indications have emerged that the protracted leadership crisis within the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) may soon be resolved, as its president, Musa Ahmadu Kida, acknowledged that the sport’s global governing body will determine the legality of the board’s tenure, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Kida addressed mounting allegations of constitutional breaches and attempts to extend the board’s tenure beyond its stipulated term. The dispute has pitched the federation’s leadership against key stakeholders and members of its Congress.

Last week in Abuja, six members who served on the current NBBF board publicly declared that the four-year tenure of the board expired on January 31, 2026. The group, led by Sam Ahmedu — who also serves as President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 — insisted that there is no provision within the NBBF constitution for an automatic extension of tenure.

Ahmedu argued that only the 48-member Congress, the federation’s highest decision-making organ, possesses the authority to extend the life of the board, should such action become necessary. He further noted that the Congress, which elected the current board in Benin, has not convened since January 2022, despite constitutional provisions mandating at least one annual meeting.

Citing statutes lodged with both the FIBA and its continental arm, FIBA Africa, Ahmedu maintained that the board’s tenure has lapsed. Consequently, a majority of stakeholders reportedly petitioned FIBA to permit the National Sports Commission (NSC) to oversee transitional arrangements and conduct fresh elections in line with the federation’s constitution.

While the NSC has not formally assumed control, sources indicate that it has encouraged dialogue between the NBBF leadership and Congress members regarding any proposed tenure extension.

Amid the growing pressure, Kida appeared to soften his stance, stating that FIBA would have the final word on the matter.

“Of late, Nigerian basketball has been in the news for the wrong reasons, with opinion divided on when the mandate of the present board ought to end,” Kida said while outlining the NBBF’s 2026 programme of activities.

He added that extensive consultations had taken place with the NSC and other stakeholders, emphasizing that the issue centers on constitutional interpretation.

“At the end of that definition, the governing body of basketball in the world will have the final say,” he stated. “There are those who have petitioned FIBA, and as an affiliate of the global body, we can only wait for their verdict. Whatever decision they arrive at, we will respect and abide by it.”

Kida, who was accompanied at the briefing by board members including Babs Ogunade, Victor Okoro, Felix Awogu, Abba Kaka and Ugo Udezue, also sought to redirect attention to planned sponsorship initiatives, which he said would be unveiled in the coming months.

He concluded with an appeal for unity among stakeholders, urging all parties to set aside differences and work collectively to advance the development of basketball in Nigeria.