FIBA to decide on NBBF Board’s tenure – Kida

Pius Ayinor

The Nigeria Basketball Federation, led by Engr Musa Kida, has stated that FIBA (the world basketball governing body) will resolve the constitutional matter on the Board’s tenure. FIBA is working on the petition filed by some members, and a response also filed on the tenure matter.

Kida said this after a long board meeting held in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday.

There has disagreement within the NBBF board on the correct date for the expiration of tenure. Kida’s team says it is October, while a set led by Col Sam Ahmedu (retd) insists that the terminal date is January 30. Even though the Board was elected on January 30 in Benin City, the then Ministry of Sports under Sunday Dare as the minister refused to approve/recognize the board until October. This is how the two dates came into being.

Kida told journalists that there have been engagements with relevant bodies over the matter and many more.

He said in Lagos, “There have been engagements with some stakeholders and the National Sports Commission (NSC). Yes, we are talking of matters of constitutionality and many more. And the final decision is going to come from FIBA, the world body.

“As you are aware, there is a petition before FIBA on the legitimacy and other issues. All that has been collapsed into one file now before FIBA. And so, we wait for the final decision.”

The communique signed by board members Felix Awogu and Ugo Udezue after the board meeting, noted that there were extensive deliberations on Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for 11th–17th March 2026 in Lyon, France.

“The Board reaffirmed its full commitment to ensuring seamless participation of D’Tigress at the qualifiers, including logistics, preparation, welfare, and competitive readiness.

“The Board also emphasized the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s dominant standing in African women’s basketball and strengthening its global competitiveness.”

The Board also approved the engagement of Pamodzi Sports Consulting, a leading international sports consultancy firm, to support sponsorship acquisition, commercial strategy, and structured partnership development.

The communique also stated the Board formally approved the 2026 NBBF Budget, covering: National team programmes (Men, Women, Youth); International competition participation; Domestic league operations; Grassroots and development programmes; and Administrative and governance operations.

Photo: Musa Kida.