FIBA recognises Mustapha Abdullahi as Nigeria's new basketball chief
The Energy Commission director-general won the NBBF election in Abuja, with former international Ugo Udezue as his deputy.
By SitesNG Sports Desk · · 2 min read
Nigerian basketball has a new leader. Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, director-general of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, won the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) at its elective congress in Abuja on Thursday 15 October 2026.
He beat former D'Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who polled 8 votes, while Ejike Ugboaja polled none. Former international Ugo Udezue was elected vice president unopposed. Abdullahi succeeds Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, who led the federation for two terms.
Advertisement
FIBA gives its approval
On 19 October FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis wrote to Abdullahi to recognise the new board for 2026 to 2030. That matters: in recent years rival factions and court cases have split the federation and hurt the national teams.
“I once had to borrow money to buy a pair of basketball shoes.”
Mustapha Abdullahi, on his own playing days
Still in court
The election is not completely settled. A day before the congress, the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to stop the vote but fixed 3 November for the hearing of a suit filed by former D'Tigers coach Ayodele Bakare.
The new board inherits plenty of work: the domestic leagues, grassroots development, player welfare and funding for D'Tigers and D'Tigress. Read more on our Nigerian basketball leagues and basketball contacts pages.
Reporting by the SitesNG Sports Desk, based on reports from The Sun, Blueprint, ThisDay, NAN. Published 20 October 2026 in the African Sports News weekly edition of 23 October 2026.
