Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, one of the candidates for the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) presidency, has unveiled his agenda for the sport, targeting professional administration, grassroots development, improved competitions and sustainable commercial investment.
Addressing the sporting press in Abuja ahead of the Federation's Elective Congress on October 15, 2026, Mustapha said he was driven by the need to build a stronger body and channel Nigeria's basketball talent into sustained success.
If elected, he pledged to create a structured pathway linking schools, academies, clubs, leagues and national teams. His proposals include a coordinated national schools basketball programme, regional talent centres and a national talent-identification and player-tracking system.
Mustapha also outlined plans to overhaul domestic leagues through predictable calendars, proper licensing, improved player contracts, better venues, digital statistics and stronger broadcasting platforms. Investment in coaches, referees, statisticians, physiotherapists and other technical personnel would feature in his tenure, alongside early preparations and merit-based selection for D'Tigers, D'Tigress and age-grade teams.
On finances, Mustapha said the Federation must develop revenue through sponsorship, broadcasting and digital rights, merchandise, event management, corporate partnerships, diaspora engagement and international development funding. "Nigerian players should not have to remain inactive for long periods simply because our domestic system is unable to provide regular competition," he stated.
