The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), describing his decisive victory as an opportunity to strengthen the administration and accelerate the development of basketball across the country.

Abdullahi emerged victorious at the federation’s elective congress in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026, securing 40 of the 48 votes cast to defeat former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who polled eight votes.

His election ushers in a new administration following the completion of Musa Kida’s tenure.

In a congratulatory statement signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association’s president, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, said on Monday that Abdullahi’s emphatic victory presented an opportunity to build a united, progressive and development-focused basketball community.

“On behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire membership of SWAN, I congratulate Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation. His emphatic victory comes with a responsibility to unite stakeholders, strengthen the federation’s structures and create sustainable opportunities for the growth of basketball in Nigeria,” Benjamin said.

The SWAN president noted that the new NBBF leadership had an opportunity to build on Nigeria’s achievements in international basketball while addressing longstanding challenges affecting domestic competitions, grassroots talent development, infrastructure, funding and the welfare of players and other stakeholders.

He urged Abdullahi to prioritise investment in grassroots basketball, improve the organisation and commercial viability of domestic leagues, strengthen development programmes for coaches and referees, and expand opportunities for young talents across the federation’s state structures.

Benjamin also emphasised the need to sustain the progress of Nigeria’s national teams, particularly D’Tigers and D’Tigress. He stressed that the success of the women’s national team should be complemented by stronger domestic structures and increased opportunities for girls and women to participate in the sport.

“Beyond winning elections, the real measure of leadership is the ability to deliver tangible results. We encourage the new NBBF administration to embrace inclusiveness, accountability and constructive engagement with all stakeholders. The task ahead requires collective commitment, and the interests of Nigerian basketball must remain paramount,” he added.

Benjamin further expressed SWAN’s readiness to maintain a constructive relationship with the new NBBF leadership, noting that a strong partnership between sports administrators and the media was essential to increasing basketball’s visibility, attracting investment, promoting accountability and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian players.

The association wished Abdullahi and his executive team a successful tenure, expressing optimism that the new administration would usher in an era of unity, institutional strengthening and sustainable development for Nigerian basketball.