By our reporter 24.9.2026
Former D’Tigers player Ejike Ugboaja, who is eyeing the top seat of the Nigeria Basketball Federation has called on the sports authorities to ensure that there is a level playing field for all aspirants.
He noted that the federation’s statutes must not be manipulated in favour of preferred candidates and others shortchanged ahead of the elections billed for October 15, 2026.
Ugboaja, who was the first player to be drafted into the NBA directly from the Nigerian Premier League in 2006, said it was about time the NBBF is populated by those who know the game.
“This is basketball. Let the people who play basketball and understand the game take care of it.
“The constitution should not be used to control the process or determine who participates,” said Ugboaja.
He urged basketball stakeholders to rise above the bedlam that has slept with the NBBF for the past eight years.
“I am not running because I want to fight anybody or revisit the past. The past is the past,” he said. “I want us to move forward, bring everybody together, and develop basketball.”
Also another aspirant Mustapha Abdullahi, said Nigerian basketball needs unity and results-driven leadership to achieve sustainable growth.
“Sustainable progress is rarely achieved in isolation. It comes from bringing people together and creating an environment where everyone can contribute.
“Every stakeholder has a role to play in developing Nigerian basketball, and leadership must provide the confidence and structure for those contributions to thrive.
“Leadership is not simply about occupying a position. It is about the impact created while serving and what becomes possible because of the responsibility entrusted to you.
Ejike Ugboaja (L) during a 2012 pre-Olympic warm up game.