Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha has unveiled what he calls a “New Dawn” agenda for Nigerian basketball ahead of the Nigeria Basketball Federation elective congress scheduled for October 15, 2026. Speaking to journalists and stakeholders in Abuja, the presidential candidate framed the election as a chance to build a stronger federation capable of taking the sport from potential to podium.
He outlined a seven-point plan covering grassroots development, domestic league reform, technical capacity, national teams, infrastructure, commercial viability and unity. At grassroots level, Mustapha proposed a coordinated national schools programme, regional talent centres and a national identification and tracking system to create a clear pathway from schools to clubs and national teams.
On domestic competitions, he pushed for predictable calendars, proper club licensing, improved player contracts, digital statistics, better venues and stronger broadcasting. He said the federation must also invest in coaches, referees, statisticians and other technical personnel through continuous training, certification and international exposure.
Mustapha insisted the era of emergency preparations for national teams must end, calling for early preparation, merit-based selection and proper medical support for D’Tigers, D’Tigress and age-grade sides. He said women’s basketball will be a major pillar of his administration, describing D’Tigress as proof of what Nigerian basketball can achieve when players are properly supported.
His 100-day action plan includes a federation audit, a national stakeholders’ summit, a unified calendar, a digital registration platform, a facilities audit, a reconciliation programme and a four-year strategic plan. “I am not promising perfection. I am promising leadership that will listen, build partnerships, establish systems and measure itself by results,” Mustapha said.
