The Uncensored Lamentations of NBBF Board Members : A House Divided
The ongoing blame game and subtle jabs among Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board members have reached a boiling point, exposing a house divided and diverting attention from the core mandate of developing basketball in Nigeria.
As football, the country’s top sport, struggles, basketball should be poised to take the lead. Instead, internal power struggles and self-interest have crippled the sport.
Colonel Sam Ahmedu, a board member and FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, has been vocal about the NBBF’s shortcomings, particularly regarding the abridged league. Ironically, he and Olumide Oyedeji, another board member and Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice President, have contributed to the current state of disarray.
Their silence before now and inactions have been deafening, come out to lament simply because election is around is so uncivilized and childish.This disperation is making it clear they’re more interested in gaining power than serving Nigerian basketball.
The NBBF’s failure is glaring: an 8-year stagnation, a defunct league, and a lack of development programs. The current President, Engr. Musa Kida, has been in office since 2017, amidst controversy and allegations of illegitimacy.
The 2022 election was marred by further controversy, resulting in two factions: Kida-led and Mark Igoche-led. The NBBF is now divided into three camps: Pro-Kida, Anti-Kida, and the Indifferent. This division is a recipe for disaster.
Col. Sam Ahmedu and Olumide Oyedeji’s plot to gain control of the NBBF is misguided. Instead, they should collaborate with Kida to save Nigerian basketball.
Ugo Udezue, AFA Sports CEO, has called for unity, emphasizing that private enterprise drives development, not federations or politics. Nigerian basketball needs courage, not comfort. It’s time for stakeholders to unite, prioritize the sport’s growth, and put national interest above personal ambition.
The infighting among NBBF board members is an embarrassment. It’s time to take the drama behind closed doors and resolve differences internally.
The constant airing of dirty laundry is damaging the sport and eroding stakeholder trust. The time for change is now. Let’s support a united NBBF, prioritizing the sport’s growth and Nigeria’s basketball future.
Nigerian basketball’s revival depends on the NBBF’s ability to put the sport above personal interests.
The world is watching, and Nigerian basketball’s reputation is at stake. Let’s put the sport first and work together to restore its former glory.
Key Issues:
( A) Internal power struggles and self-interest
( B) Lack of development programs and stagnant league
( C) Controversy and allegations of illegitimacy surrounding leadership
( D) Division within the NBBF
Solutions:
( A) Unite and work towards a common goal
( B) Prioritize transparency and legitimate leadership
( C) Focus on youth development and grassroots programs
( D) Collaborative approach with stakeholders
Call to Action:
It’s time for stakeholders to put the sport above personal interests and work towards a common goal. Let’s support a united NBBF and prioritize Nigerian basketball’s growth. The future of the sport is in our hands
