NSC Lauds FIBA Clearance For Ahmedu To Serve On NBBF Board

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has welcomed a clarification from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) that Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu faces no regulatory impediment to serving on the newly elected board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis confirmed Ahmedu’s eligibility in a letter dated 19 October 2026 and addressed to NBBF President, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha.

According to the NSC, the letter also confirmed that Ahmedu has served on FIBA bodies since 1997, making him the longest-serving Nigerian within the international basketball governing structure.

The clarification follows concerns raised by the NSC over Ahmedu’s absence from the NBBF elective congress in Abuja, where Mustapha emerged as president.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Kola Daniel, Senior Assistant on Media to the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade said FIBA’s position aligned with concerns he raised during the congress over Ahmedu’s non-inclusion in the electoral process.

“Everyone who attended the elective congress in Abuja will recall that I personally questioned why Col. Sam Ahmedu was not recognised as part of the electoral process. I also made my reservations known to the immediate past NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida,” Olopade said.

The NSC director-general stressed that fairness, equity and transparency must guide efforts to reconcile stakeholders and strengthen sports administration in the country.

“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 said.

Olopade expressed hope that FIBA’s clarification would help strengthen confidence in the new NBBF board and provide a more stable environment for basketball development.

He said the focus should now be on improving the structures of the game 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,” he added.

Ahmedu’s eligibility became a point of contention amid questions over his absence from the elective congress, which produced a new leadership for the federation.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability, fairness and effective governance across Nigeria’s sports federations, noting that inclusive leadership and strong institutions were essential to sustainable sports development.