FIBA backs Musa Kida-led NBBF, set deadline for elections
The FIBA has officially recognised the leadership of Musa Kida at the Nigeria Basketball Federation, bringing clarity to the federation’s governance while setting October 15, 2026, as the deadline for fresh elections.
In a letter dated March 16, 2026, addressed to the NBBF Secretary, FIBA confirmed that the current board will remain in office until the stipulated date. The global basketball body also directed that elections into the federation’s governing board must be conducted after the conclusion of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, scheduled to end on September 13, 2026, and no later than mid-October.
FIBA further emphasised that it will not recognise any amendments to the NBBF statutes until the electoral process has been completed, a move aimed at preventing procedural disputes that have historically plagued the federation.
Reacting to the development, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, called on stakeholders to align with the directive, stressing the need for unity within the basketball community.
“I want to appeal to all basketball stakeholders to abide by FIBA’s decisions. FIBA has spoken, and that should bring an end to the divisions within the basketball fraternity,” Olopade said.
FIBA noted that it has closely monitored governance challenges within the NBBF since 2017, particularly during election cycles often marked by disputes. The organisation recalled that past tensions led to Nigeria’s withdrawal from a major international competition and prompted disciplinary measures before stability was restored in October 2022.
The latest directive is expected to lay the groundwork for a more orderly and inclusive electoral process, as Nigerian basketball stakeholders prepare for a decisive transition later this year.
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