Basketball Upright Incident in Enugu: SEBA Says It’s Part of NBPL Phase II Learning Process

The South East Basketball Association (SEBA) says the temporary incident involving a basketball upright during the NBPL Phase II in Enugu should be seen as part of the learning and development process of basketball in Nigeria.

SEBA Media Manager, Comrade Kennedy Onwunali, says the focus should not be on the incident alone but on continuous improvement of facilities, equipment, and overall structure of the game as it grows across the country.

He noted that similar technical issues have been recorded in other African competitions, including past FIBA AfroBasket tournaments, where equipment failure caused brief stoppages but were treated strictly as technical matters for improvement.

Onwunali also warned against what he described as the “politicisation of normal sporting challenges,” adding that some individuals are trying to turn a routine incident into unnecessary controversy instead of supporting the growth of the game.

This is not about the upright alone. It is about sports politicking by some individuals who are bent on destroying what others are trying to build,” he said.

He further stated that similar issues have happened in other venues across the country without similar attention, describing it as selective criticism that does not help basketball development.

Meanwhile, NBBF South East representative, Chief Ugo Udezue, reportedly moved quickly to provide a replacement upright after informing the NBBF Centre Representative, Hon. Fubara, and the equipment was delivered and installed in Enugu to ensure smooth continuation of NBPL Phase II games.

SEBA restated its commitment with NBBF in building a stronger basketball culture in Nigeria and urged stakeholders to focus on unity, development, and infrastructure growth.