President Bola Tinubu has sent his congratulations to Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, following his emergence as the newly elected President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, voicing confidence that his tenure will drive meaningful progress for the sport.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, October 16, 2026, the President described Abdullahi’s emergence as an opportunity to strengthen basketball development in Nigeria and urged him to deploy his experience and leadership to improve the administration of the federation.
Tinubu charged the new NBBF president to create more opportunities for young Nigerian basketball players to develop their talents and excel at national and international levels.
He also called on stakeholders in Nigerian basketball, including players, coaches, administrators, sponsors and supporters, to support the new leadership and work together towards building a stronger, more competitive and professionally managed federation.
“The new NBBF leadership should emphasise the improvement of the welfare of athletes, effective talent identification and the promotion of both men’s and women’s basketball as essential pillars for the sustained growth of the sport,” the President said.
Tinubu further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s recognition of sports as a platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement.
“I wish the new NBBF Boss a successful tenure and assure him of the Federal Government’s continued recognition of sports as an important platform for youth empowerment, national unity and international engagement,” he added.
Abdullahi’s election places him at the helm of the federation responsible for administering and developing basketball in Nigeria, with expectations that his tenure will strengthen grassroots participation, improve athlete welfare and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the sport.
What You Should Know
Mustapha Abdullahi has officially taken the helm of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, bringing high hopes for better sports administration and increased opportunities for homegrown basketball players.
- Positive Impact: The new leadership is expected to boost grassroots talent discovery, improve the general welfare of athletes, and enhance Nigeria’s standing in both men’s and women’s international basketball competitions.
- Potential Concerns: Stakeholders must actively cooperate with the new administration to avoid administrative bottlenecks and ensure long-term, professional management of the federation.
