NSC Welcomes FIBA’s Position on Sam Ahmedu’s Eligibility for NBBF Board
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC), has welcomed the International Basketball Federation (FIBA)’s confirmation that retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu faces no regulatory impediment to serving on the newly elected board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
The clarification, contained in a letter dated October 19, 2026, and addressed to NBBF President, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, was issued by FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis.
According to the NSC, the letter confirmed that Ahmedu has been a member of FIBA bodies since 1997, making him the longest-serving Nigerian within the international basketball governing structure.
The Commission said the clarification reinforced its position on Ahmedu’s place in Nigerian basketball administration, following concerns over his absence from the NBBF elective congress held in Abuja.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said FIBA’s position aligned with the concerns he personally raised during the congress regarding Ahmedu’s non-recognition in the electoral process.
“Everyone who attended the elective congress in Abuja will recall that I personally questioned why Col. Sam Ahmedu was not recognized as part of the electoral process. I also made my reservations known to the immediate past NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida,” Olopade said.
He stressed that fairness, equity and transparency must guide sports administration, particularly when efforts are being made to promote peace and reconciliation within sports federations.
“If we must see genuine reconciliations by preaching peace, then fairness, equity and transparency must guide our actions at all times. These are fundamental principles that the Commission upholds in its drive to strengthen sports administration in Nigeria,” he added.
Olopade expressed optimism that FIBA’s clarification would strengthen confidence in the newly elected NBBF board and promote stability in the administration of basketball in Nigeria.
He noted that basketball remained one of the country’s key sports, stressing the need for the federation to concentrate on developing the game, strengthening its structures and creating more opportunities for Nigerian players.
“Basketball is one of our key sports, and we believe this development will further strengthen the credibility of the new NBBF board and position it to focus on the real task of developing the game, improving its structures and creating greater opportunities for Nigerian players,” the NSC Director General said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to promoting fairness, accountability and effective governance across Nigeria’s sports federations.
It also emphasized that strong institutions and inclusive leadership were essential to the sustainable development of sports in the country.
The statement was signed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the NSC Director General, on October 21, 2026.
