Former D'Tigers forward and 2006 NBA Draft pick Ejike Ugboaja don call on stakeholders to defend di integrity of di Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) election wey dem schedule for October, warn say Nigerian basketball no suppose to sacrifice on top di altar of personal ambition and long stay for office.
As e dey speak for Abuja, the President of di Ejike Ugboaja Foundation say di sport don reach one critical crossroads and no fit afford another election wey no go address di structural problems. "We no fit afford to make another mistake wey go push our basketball further inside doldrums," e talk.
Ugboaja confirm say e dey contest for di NBBF presidency, as e cite im journey from Nigerian Premier Basketball League reach NBA. "I be di only player from di Nigerian Premier Basketball League wey dem draft directly from di league enta NBA for 2006. Since dat time, no player don make di same journey," e talk. Dem draft am 55th overall by Cleveland Cavaliers, e argue say di gap show say fundamental flaws dey inside di domestic system.
E raise concern about preparation for di poll, as e note say dem never announce any venue, and e criticise di attempt to comot state basketball association chairmen for Lagos and Oyo State. "We go vehemently kick against imposition," e declare.
Ugboaja also praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for dia investment for sports and e urge Nigeria Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade to make sure say di election reflect openness and fairness.
