Former D'Tigers forward and 2006 NBA Draft pick Ejike Ugboaja has called on stakeholders to defend the integrity of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) election scheduled for October, warning that Nigerian basketball must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition and prolonged stay in office.
Speaking in Abuja, the President of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation said the sport had reached a critical crossroads and could not afford another election that failed to address its structural problems. "We cannot afford to make another mistake that will further push our basketball into the doldrums," he said.
Ugboaja confirmed he is contesting for the NBBF presidency, citing his journey from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League to the NBA. "I am the only player from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League to have been drafted directly from the league into the NBA in 2006. Since then, no player has made that same journey," he said. Drafted 55th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he argued that the gap exposed fundamental flaws in the domestic system.
He raised concerns over preparations for the poll, noting that no venue had been announced, and criticised attempts to remove state basketball association chairmen in Lagos and Oyo State. "We will vehemently kick against imposition," he declared.
Ugboaja also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for its investment in sports and urged Nigeria Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade to ensure the election reflects openness and fairness.
