NSC asks basketball stakeholders to consider game’s interest first

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged all stakeholders of Nigerian basketball to put the interest of the game first as the Nigeria Basketball Federation prepares for its elections later this year.

FIBA has called for organized electioneering, under existing statutes and internal regulations, and the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has therefore pressed on all stakeholders within the Nigerian basketball ecosystem to prioritize unity and the growth of the sport above personal interests.

He said, “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 reputation depends on collective responsibility and adherence to due process.

“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 will elapse on 15 October 2026, while elections into a new board must be conducted no earlier than 15 September 2026 and no later than 15 October 2026, following the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled for September 2026.

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