By Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General, SWAN | Published on October 19, 2026.
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 landslide victory as an opportunity to strengthen basketball administration and accelerate the development of the game 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 the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin on Monday said the decisive margin of victory presented Abdullahi with an opportunity to build a united, progressive and development-oriented basketball community.
President Benjamin said, “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.”
The SWAN President stressed that the new NBBF leadership had an opportunity to build on Nigeria’s achievements in international basketball while addressing longstanding concerns surrounding 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 stressed the importance of sustaining the progress of Nigeria’s national teams, particularly D’Tigers and D’Tigress, while ensuring that the success of the women’s national team is matched by stronger domestic structures and increased opportunities for girls and women to participate in basketball.
“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,” Benjamin added.
SWAN President further expressed its leadership’s readiness to maintain a constructive relationship with the new NBBF leadership, emphasising that a strong partnership between sports administrators and the media is 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 hope that the new administration would usher in an era of unity, institutional strengthening and sustainable development for Nigerian basketball.
Ikenna Okonkwo
Secretary-General, SWAN
October 19, 2026
