The South-East Basketball Association has formally endorsed Dr Mustapha Abdullahi as its preferred candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) ahead of the elective congress slated for October 15, 2026, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.
According to a statement released to the press, the endorsement followed a thorough evaluation of the credentials, track records and developmental roadmaps of all the contenders for the Federation’s highest office.
The Association explained that Dr Abdullahi’s well-articulated agenda for grassroots revival, modernization of basketball infrastructure, systematic talent grooming and sustainable growth of the sport formed the basis for its unanimous decision.
Reacting to the development, the South-East representative on the NBBF Board who is also the vice-presidential candidate, Chief Ugo Udezue, described Dr Abdullahi as the man with the requisite competence to reposition Nigerian basketball.
Udezue pointed out that Dr Abdullahi’s blueprint prioritizes building basketball from the foundation, equipping the system with standard facilities and opening up genuine opportunities for budding talents to be identified and nurtured.
“For the South-East, this translates to concrete investment in areas where we have yearned for it: provision of standard courts and facilities across the zone, organized youth and school competitions, vibrant club and state leagues, and defined pathways for our young players to progress to the national teams and professional careers. The South-East has never lacked talent. With Dr Abdullahi at the helm, that talent will be harnessed at home, while our clubs and state associations will be empowered as critical partners in advancing Nigerian basketball,” Udezue stated.
Corroborating the position, the Head Coach of Coal City Blazers, Chief Chiedozie Nwoye, affirmed that basketball clubs in the South-East are proud to align with Dr Abdullahi’s ambition and are fully prepared to collaborate with him to drive basketball development in the region.
On his part, the Chairman of Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Okeahialam, also pledged his support for Dr Abdullahi, reiterating his readiness to work closely with him to deepen the growth of basketball in Imo State and the entire South-East.
The South-East Basketball Association further revealed that chairmen of other state basketball associations within the zone have equally indicated their support for Dr Abdullahi’s presidential bid.
In its communique, the Association emphasized that it is solidly behind Dr Mustapha Abdullahi and will mobilize every necessary support to ensure the success of his candidacy at the forthcoming NBBF presidential election.
It added that it is convinced that Dr Abdullahi’s focus on grassroots development, infrastructure renewal and talent development will lay a formidable foundation for the continued advancement of basketball in Nigeria.
Consequently, the South-East Basketball Association urged all basketball stakeholders across the country to objectively consider the programmes and visions put forward by the various aspirants as the Federation counts down to the October 15 election.
