…..Says Let the Process Run Its Course
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has urged stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to remain calm and allow due process to take its course as the leadership dispute within the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is currently being reviewed by the sport’s global governing body, International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Speaking during a recent interview on Arise TV, Dikko emphasized the importance of maintaining stability within the sport while awaiting clarification and a final decision from FIBA regarding the tenure of the current NBBF board.
The controversy centers on differing interpretations of the board’s tenure, with some stakeholders insisting that the mandate of the Musa Kida-led board expired on January 31, while others maintain that its tenure runs until October 6.
Dikko noted that the matter has already been formally escalated to FIBA, which has in turn requested clarification from the NBBF board.
“The issue is about whether the election should be held January 31st or whether it should be October 6th,” Dikko explained during the interview. “Some stakeholders wrote to us and meetings were held to find solutions, but the matter has now been taken to FIBA, which has asked the board for clarification.”
He stressed that since the issue is now before the international governing body, all parties should exercise patience and support the process rather than escalate tensions that could disrupt the sport.
According to the NSC Chairman, maintaining harmony within the basketball ecosystem is critical, particularly to protect the interests of Nigerian players and ensure that domestic competitions and national team programmes continue without disruption.
“We should all calm down and continue supporting our girls and boys to do what they have to do, keep the league running, and wait for the decision of FIBA,” he said.
Dikko also recalled the challenges Nigerian basketball faced in 2022 when administrative disputes led to significant disruptions, including a temporary withdrawal from international competitions. He noted that stability was eventually restored after the board was inaugurated on October 6 that year.
The NSC Chairman further highlighted the importance of working in collaboration with international sporting bodies, stressing that Nigeria must respect global governance structures to remain active in international competitions.
“Whatever we do must be done in collaboration with FIBA,” he said. “We cannot just wake up and start disbanding boards. While Nigerian law gives certain powers, we must also respect the international body because we want to continue participating in international competitions.”
He warned that unilateral decisions that disregard international regulations could expose the country to sanctions, including the possibility of suspension from global basketball competitions.
“If we dabble into the matter improperly and Nigeria gets banned from participating at the World Cup, what happens?” Dikko cautioned.
He added that any eventual resolution would likely involve consultations between FIBA, the National Sports Commission and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), with the overall objective of safeguarding the development and future of basketball in Nigeria.
Dikko concluded by reiterating the Commission’s commitment to protecting the interests of athletes and ensuring that the sport continues to grow while institutional processes are respected.
