World basketball governing body, FIBA, has directed that elections to constitute a new board for the Nigeria Basketball Federation must be conducted no later than October 15, 2026.

 

In an official letter signed by its Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis, and addressed to NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida, FIBA confirmed it had received multiple petitions from stakeholders concerning governance issues and the timing of the federation’s upcoming elections.

FIBA noted that it has closely monitored governance challenges within the NBBF since 2017, particularly as they tend to intensify during election periods.

 

According to the letter, similar disputes in the past led to significant consequences for Nigerian basketball, including the withdrawal of the women’s national team from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the imposition of disciplinary sanctions on the federation.

 

FIBA added that it had to intervene to restore stability, a process that culminated in the normalization of the situation in October 2022.

After reviewing relevant documentation and past experiences, FIBA outlined a strict framework for the upcoming electoral process:

• It acknowledged that the current NBBF board’s mandate remains valid until October 15, 2026.

• Elections must be conducted after the conclusion of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled to end on September 13, 2026.

• The newly elected board is expected to assume office no later than October 16, 2026

FIBA further emphasized that the elections must be conducted under the existing NBBF statutes, warning that no amendments will be recognized before the electoral process is completed.

 

The global body stressed that the process must fully comply with its General Statutes and Internal Regulations to ensure transparency and credibility.

The directive underscores FIBA’s determination to prevent a repeat of past crises that have disrupted the growth of basketball in Nigeria. By setting clear timelines and conditions, the organization aims to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within the NBBF while maintaining institutional stability.

 

The development is expected to draw significant attention from stakeholders across Nigerian basketball, as the federation prepares for a crucial election cycle that could shape the future of the sport in the country.