Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has been elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), defeating former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, www.aclsports.com reports.
The election was held on Thursday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, where Abdullahi secured 40 of the 48 votes cast.
Oyedeji received eight votes, while former international Ejike Ugboaja received none. Igoche Mark had withdrawn from the race, citing concerns over the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.
Abdullahi, who serves as director-general of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering, specialising in renewable energy. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Manchester.
He succeeds Musa Kida, who led the federation from 2017 to 2026, while Ugo Udezue emerged as vice-president unopposed, having been the sole candidate for the position.
Abdullahi’s four-year tenure presents an opportunity to build on the international achievements of Nigeria’s national teams, D’Tigress and D’Tigers, while improving basketball administration and expanding development opportunities across the country.
The new administration faces several challenges, including strengthening domestic competitions, improving players’ welfare and securing sustainable funding for the sport.
Image: Olaiya Azeez Lawal
