Mustapha Abdullahi was elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) in Abuja after securing 40 of the 48 votes cast, defeating former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji and former international Ejike Ugboaja. Ugo Udezue was returned unopposed as vice-president.
In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi pledged to unite stakeholders and build on the achievements of the outgoing administration led by Musa Kida. “We are not coming to start afresh. We are coming to consolidate,” he said.
The new president outlined an agenda focused on grassroots development, stronger domestic competitions, sponsorship growth, improved infrastructure and enhanced welfare for players, including medical care, scholarships and post-career support. He promised clearer pathways from school and community basketball to club play and national team selection.
Abdullahi said the D’Tigers and youth national teams would benefit from early preparation, transparent selection processes and professional planning, while women’s basketball and opportunities for athletes with disabilities would receive deliberate attention.
He also announced a 100-day agenda comprising institutional and facilities audits, reconciliation efforts, a unified competition calendar and a four-year strategic plan with measurable benchmarks. “This office is a public trust, and I intend to honour it,” Abdullahi said.
