Dr Mustapha Abdullahi has been elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation after securing 40 of 48 votes at the federation's elective congress in Abuja. The DAM Foundation, which he founded, congratulated him and expressed confidence that his leadership would advance basketball development in Nigeria.
Abdullahi unveiled his 'New Dawn' agenda on 7 October in Abuja before formally declaring his candidacy for the 15 October vote. Central to the plan is a coordinated national schools basketball programme, regional talent centres and a national talent identification and player-tracking system.
He also pledged to strengthen competitions from local government to national level, improve club licensing, upgrade venues and create a structured pathway linking schools, academies, clubs, leagues and national teams. Restoring confidence in domestic competitions featured prominently, with promises of predictable calendars, better player contracts and welfare, digital statistics and stronger broadcasting.
Abdullahi said Nigerian players should not remain inactive for long periods because the domestic system cannot provide regular competition, and he pledged to expand training and certification for coaches, referees, statisticians and other technical staff. "I believe Nigerian basketball has enormous potential, but that potential must now be matched with a stronger institution, sustainable investment, professional administration and a clear development pathway," he said.
