Abdullahi Calls For Fresh Beginning, Repositioning Of Nigerian Basketball

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has called for a fresh beginning and comprehensive repositioning of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), with emphasis on innovation, competence, institutional discipline and a clear national vision.

Abdullahi, who is seeking to lead the NBBF, said the federation needs a broader leadership approach capable of connecting basketball development with corporate investment, international partnerships, youth development, education and the wider Nigerian economy.

“Nigerian basketball does not need leadership for the sake of leadership. It needs a paradigm shift. It needs innovation without losing institutional discipline,” he said.

Abdullahi said his experience outside the traditional structure of basketball administration, coupled with his understanding of the sport and institutional management, could provide a different perspective for the federation.

“Sometimes, institutions need someone who understands the system without being imprisoned by its history,” he said.

He also pointed to his exposure and engagements across government, academia, business, energy and international institutions as potential assets in attracting partnerships and investment into Nigerian basketball.

“A president of the NBBF should be able to open doors, attract partners and make Nigerian basketball visible in rooms where decisions and investments are made,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that his involvement with basketball predates the current NBBF electoral process, adding that he has participated in the sport as a player and enthusiast and supported its development through initiatives including the annual DAM Foundation Basketball event in Okene, Kogi State.

Abdullahi also highlighted his involvement in scholarships, skills development, fellowship programmes, empowerment initiatives and community engagement, stressing the need to connect basketball development with opportunities for young people.

“The young player in a neighbourhood court does not care about federation politics. He wants a pathway. The talented teenager wants an opportunity. The coach wants support. The professional player wants a functioning system,” he said.

He called for increased investment and visibility for women’s basketball, alongside stronger structures for clubs and administrators to promote professionalism and competence.

Abdullahi further stressed the importance of building stronger relationships among basketball stakeholders, government, businesses and international partners.

“The NBBF does not need a president who only occupies an office. It needs a president who can build consensus around a national basketball vision and bring repositioning,” he said.

While acknowledging the value of experience in basketball administration, Abdullahi said experience should be complemented by competence, vision, integrity, innovation and the capacity to deliver.

He described himself as a basketball enthusiast and professional with institutional management experience and international exposure, while advocating a leadership approach focused on development, opportunities for young players and institutional growth.

“Results are not products of familiarity but products of capacity and competencies. The NBBF needs a paradigm shift. It needs fresh thinking backed by proven competence,” Abdullahi said.