Director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has charged board members, officers, workers and stakeholders of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to peacefully search real reconciliation.
Sports247 reviews that Olopade was talking towards the backdrop of final week’s election that ushered in Dr Abdullahi Mustapha as NBBF’s new president, however Nigeria’s main basketball administrator, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retired) was sidelined within the scheme of issues.
While two ex-internationals – Olumide Oyedeji and Ejike Ugboaja – have additionally raised objections concerning the election’s consequence, Olopade spoke particularly about Ahmedu’s concern, particularly after the retired army officer was recognised by basketball’s world physique, FIBA.
Olopade welcomed the worldwide physique’s place that Ahmedu shouldn’t be blocked from serving on the NBBF’s new board, as confirmed in a letter dated October nineteenth, 2026, and addressed to Dr Mustapha from FIBA’s secretary-general, Andreas Zagklis.
The scribe confirmed that Ahmedu has been a member of FIBA’s affiliate our bodies since 1997, thereby making him Nigeria’s longest serving administrator inside the worldwide basketball construction, which put to relaxation Olopade’s concern over his absence from NBBF’s election.
While calling for peace throughout all ranges of Nigerian Basketball, Olopade stated FIBA’s letter buttressed the considerations he raised through the NBBF’s elective congress in Abuja, relating to the necessity to recognise Ahmedu’s a few years of service to the sport of giants.
Olopade retorted, “Everyone who attended the elective congress in Abuja will recall that I personally questioned why Colonel Sam Ahmedu was not acknowledged as a part of the electoral course of. I additionally made my reservations identified to the fast previous NBBF President, Engineer Musa Kida.
“If we should see real reconciliations by preaching peace, then equity, fairness and transparency should information our actions always. These are elementary ideas that the Commission upholds in its drive to strengthen sports activities administration in Nigeria.
“Basketball is one of our key sports, and we believe this development will further strengthen the credibility of the new NBBF board and position it to focus on the real task of developing the game, improving its structures and creating greater opportunities for Nigerian players.”
Sports247 reviews additional that Olopade additionally used the chance to restate the NSC’s dedication to peace, equity, accountability and efficient governance in all federations, with a verdict that inclusive management is crucial for sustainable improvement within the nation.
