By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has welcomed the International Basketball Federation (FIBA)’s confirmation that retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu faces no regulatory impediment to serving on the newly elected board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, in a letter dated October 19, 2026, addressed to NBBF President, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, confirmed that Ahmedu had been a member of FIBA bodies since 1997, making him the longest-serving Nigerian within the international basketball governing structure.
The clarification reinforces the NSC’s position on Ahmedu’s place in Nigerian basketball administration, following concerns raised by the Commission over his absence from the NBBF elective congress in Abuja.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said FIBA’s position aligned with concerns he personally expressed during the congress over the failure to recognize Ahmedu’s longstanding contributions to basketball.
“Everyone who attended the elective congress in Abuja will recall that I personally questioned why Col. Sam Ahmedu was not recognized as part of the electoral process. I also made my reservations known to the immediate past NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida,” Olopade said.
He stressed that fairness, equity and transparency must guide efforts to achieve genuine reconciliation in sports administration.
“If we must see genuine reconciliations by preaching peace, then fairness, equity and transparency must guide our actions at all times. These are fundamental principles that the Commission upholds in its drive to strengthen sports administration in Nigeria,” he said.
Olopade expressed optimism that FIBA’s clarification would strengthen confidence in the new NBBF board and promote stability in basketball administration.
He added that the development would enable the federation to focus on developing the game, improving its structures and creating more opportunities for Nigerian players.
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fairness, accountability and effective governance across sports federations, noting that strong institutions and inclusive leadership were essential to the sustainable development of sports in Nigeria.
