By Tayo Ogunseye
Ex-Nigerian international basketball player and sports executive, Ugo Udezue, has endorsed Dr Mustapha Abdullahi for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), describing him as a candidate capable of giving Nigerian basketball a stronger commercial and administrative direction.
Udezue, who has represented Nigeria at youth and senior levels, played collegiate basketball in the United States and worked for more than 17 years as a professional sports agent, said his experience in different aspects of the game had shaped his view that Nigeria’s biggest basketball challenge was not a shortage of talent, but the absence of a strong business structure around it.
In his endorsement titled *“The Business of the Game: Why Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Is My Choice to Lead Nigerian Basketball,”* Udezue said the growth of African basketball had created significant opportunities for Nigeria in areas such as professional leagues, sponsorship, broadcasting, infrastructure and private investment.
He noted that Nigeria possesses a huge potential market, with a population of more than 220 million people and a large youthful population, while also boasting a strong basketball pedigree. He cited the achievements of D’Tigress, who have won five consecutive AfroBasket titles, as evidence of the quality available in Nigerian basketball.
Udezue outlined several areas he believes the next NBBF administration should prioritise, including the construction of multi-purpose basketball arenas across the six geopolitical zones, improved governance, audited accounts, reliable competition calendars, professional management of leagues and national teams, and the development of media and commercial rights.
He also advocated the digitisation of Nigerian basketball through a national database containing players, coaches, referees and clubs, as well as digital platforms for competitions, live statistics, streaming and talent identification. According to him, better data would improve transparency while making the sport more attractive to sponsors, broadcasters and investors.
On Abdullahi’s credentials, Udezue pointed to his PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Manchester and his experience as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria. He said the administrative, financial, infrastructure and stakeholder-management responsibilities associated with running a federal agency were relevant to the task of building a stronger basketball federation.
Udezue, however, said his support for Abdullahi went beyond his professional qualifications. He disclosed that he had known the candidate for more than two years and had observed his involvement in grassroots basketball, particularly through the DAM Foundation Championship in Okene, Kogi State.
He further called for former internationals, coaches, referees, state associations and other basketball stakeholders to have a stronger role in technical matters, national teams and youth development under the next administration.
Udezue also stressed the need for unity within the basketball community, saying the federation should provide room for former players, administrators, coaches, referees, state associations, diaspora stakeholders and other members of the basketball family to contribute to the development of the sport.
With the NBBF Congress scheduled for October 15, Udezue said he had made his position clear after assessing the leadership question from his various experiences as a player, agent, league organiser and sports executive.
“Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi is my choice,” Udezue stated, urging stakeholders to focus on building a sustainable basketball structure capable of turning Nigeria’s talent into a stronger sporting and economic enterprise.
