NBBF sets 2026 programmes, expands the women’s league

By our reporter

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has set its 2026 calendar year, while announcing more sponsorship support for the women’s national team, D’Tigress.

The NBBF President, Musa Kida, announced the details after the Federation’s Board meeting held on Sunday, March 1, at the Lagos Boat Club, on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Board deliberated extensively on Nigeria’s participation in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for March 11th to 17th, 2026, in Lyon, France, to ensure that D’Tigress qualify, maintain their dominant standing in African women’s basketball, and strengthen their global competitiveness.

D’Tigress have won the African cup five times in a row since 2017 and have not lost a game to any African country, whether played on the continent or outside during World Cup qualifiers.

The FIBA World Cup Qualifier Windows 3 and 4 (Men’s) were also deliberated on.

Also, the board, after extensive deliberation, formally approved the 2026 Budget, covering the National team programmes (Men, Women, Youth), international competition participation, domestic league operations, grassroots and development programmes, and administrative and governance operations. This is as it emphasized prudent financial management in alignment with the Federation’s constitutional mandate under Article 5 (Mission and Role).

In furtherance of the Federation’s commercial growth strategy, the Board approved the engagement of Pamodzi Sports Consulting, a leading international sports consultancy firm, to support sponsorship acquisition, commercial strategy, and structured partnership development. It was reaffirmed that commercial expansion remains a strategic priority to ensure sustainability, player welfare, and long-term institutional growth.

On the domestic scene, the Board announced the division of the Zenith Bank Women’s League, with the implementation starting this year. Only the Top-16 teams will feature in the Zenith Premier League, while the rest of the clubs will compete in the Division One sector.

Photo: The NBBF Board members