The Nigeria Basketball Federation Extraordinary Congress has unanimously approved October 15, 2026, for its Elective Congress in Abuja, bringing clarity to a long-running leadership transition. National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade described the agreement as a breakthrough for the sport.
"This is a victory for Nigerian basketball," Olopade said, praising stakeholders for setting aside their differences. The date falls within the transition framework set by FIBA, which recognised the current Musa Kida-led board until that date and required fresh elections within the window.
Ahead of the main congress, elections for technical representatives, players’ representatives and other affiliate bodies will be held in Abuja between October 7 and 14. A seven-member electoral committee headed by Dr Lanre Glover has also been constituted, alongside a three-member Election Appeals Committee chaired by Barrister Emmanuel Okibe.
Olopade had previously urged stakeholders to accept FIBA’s position and end the divisions that have repeatedly surrounded the federation. "We must all put the game first," he said earlier this year. With former D’Tigers star Ejike Ugboaja and basketball investor Mark Igoche among those linked to the leadership conversation, Olopade believes the range of stakeholders now engaged offers fresh hope for Nigerian basketball.
