New NBBF president Abdullahi has a childhood story behind his rise

Mustapha Abdullahi has been elected president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), securing a decisive victory in Thursday’s election in Abuja as he prepares to lead the sport through a period of significant developmental challenges.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria received 48 votes to defeat former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji, who polled eight. Ejike Ugboaja received no votes, while Ugo Udezue emerged as vice-president unopposed.

Abdullahi’s election marks a new chapter for Nigerian basketball, with expectations that his administration will address long-standing concerns around grassroots development, domestic competitions, player welfare, infrastructure and sustainable funding.

Yet behind the new president’s rise is a personal journey that began far removed from the responsibility of leading the country’s basketball federation.

Reflecting on his election, Abdullahi described the moment as the culmination of a lifelong connection with the game, while making clear that his new position represents a responsibility beyond personal achievement.

“What began as a childhood dream has become a defining moment in my lifelong journey with the game,” he said.

“This is more than a personal milestone; it is a call to serve and a commitment to the future of Nigerian basketball,” he added.

His ambitions for the federation are centred on creating better opportunities for young players and strengthening the structures that connect grassroots participation to the national teams.

READ MORE: Ajibade’s injury casts shadow over Falcons’ Olympic qualifying triumph

Before the election, Abdullahi outlined plans to expand school basketball, establish regional talent centres, improve the administration of domestic competitions and develop clearer pathways for emerging players to progress from grassroots basketball to the national stage.

Those priorities reflect an approach shaped by his involvement in grassroots initiatives through the DAM Foundation, which has supported basketball competitions, players and infrastructure development in parts of Nigeria.

Abdullahi has repeatedly emphasized the role basketball can play beyond competition, particularly in creating opportunities for young people and offering them a constructive path towards a better future.

“I am determined to work with all stakeholders to elevate the game, inspire a new generation and harness the power of basketball to empower young people, create opportunities and lift them off the streets towards brighter futures,” he said.

But the roots of that ambition can be traced to a childhood experience that offers a more personal insight into his relationship with the sport.

Abdullahi recalled growing up in Northern Nigeria, where his passion for basketball was strong enough to push him through a challenge many aspiring players may recognise: finding the means to pursue the game he loved.

“As a young boy growing up in Northern Nigeria, my basketball journey began on grassroots courts, driven by a passion so strong that I once had to borrow money to buy a pair of basketball shoes,” he said.

The recollection provides a striking contrast with his new position at the head of Nigerian basketball.

The boy who once struggled to afford the equipment needed to play has now assumed responsibility for shaping opportunities for the next generation.

Whether that personal connection can translate into lasting progress will be one of the defining tests of his presidency.

Nigeria’s basketball community continues to face questions about the quality and consistency of domestic competitions, the welfare of players and the infrastructure required to identify and develop talent across the country.

The challenge for Abdullahi, is to turn his stated ambitions into practical reforms that benefit players, coaches, clubs and communities beyond the initial excitement of a new administration.

“The journey that began with passion and hope now enters a new chapter of leadership, service and transformation,” he said.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!