Nigeria Basketball stares chaos down, plots a new future

Nigeria Basketball stares chaos down, plots a new future

...Darkness has finally paved way for light after Abuja meeting – Ahmedu

By Maxwell Kumoye

Nigeria basketball has taken too many hits off the court, in boardrooms, and in the hearts of players who only want to hoop.

But now, after years of turbulence, a new ball is being checked in. And this time, the bounce feels different.

Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 and one of the most powerful administrators the Nigerian game has ever produced, believes the long night is ending.

His message is simple, firm, and unmistakably confident, peace is coming back to Nigerian basketball.

Not by wishful thinking. Not by force. But by structure, dialogue, and law, so says the retired army officer.

At the heart of this renewed optimism is a crucial meeting in Abuja—a meeting many now describe as the foundation stone for a new-look Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). With National Sports Commission Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, presiding, key stakeholders spoke with one voice for the first time in a long while.

No shouting. No factions. Just a shared resolve to reset the game. “This is a fresh tip-off,” Ahmedu declared.

ORDER BEFORE EMOTION

For years, Nigerian basketball has been trapped in a cycle of court cases, suspended seasons, and divided leadership. Ahmedu insists that the era must end and the only way forward is discipline.

“We want to follow the law and do things in an orderly manner,” he said.

That order begins with a clear destination, the NBBF Elective Congress, targeted for or before March 31.

While acknowledging constitutional grey areas, Ahmedu struck a pragmatic tone, one rooted in common sense rather than rigid dogma.

“The constitution is for us; we can adjust,” he explained. “But we must not overstretch it, and we must not violate it.”

In other words, no shortcuts, no ambushes, no power grabs. The Congress, he stressed, remains supreme.

A CALL FOR CALM, NOT COMBAT

Ahmedu’s message to players, officials, and power brokers is a rare one in Nigerian sports politics, exercise restraint.

This is not a rush job. It is a rebuild.

“This meeting with the NSC is a foundation for the Congress to work with,” he said—pointing to a process that prioritizes legitimacy, inclusiveness, and sustainability over quick wins.

Coming from the highest-ranked Nigerian in global basketball administration, the words carry weight.

THE OYEDEJI FACTOR – CREDIBILITY MEETS EXPERIENCE

Every rebuild needs trusted hands. For Ahmedu, one name stands out as symbolic of the new direction—Olumide Oyedeji.

A former NBA player, a battle-tested national team captain, a leader who has taken Nigeria to the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Africa Games, and continental glory.

“Having Oyedeji around is a massive plus,” Ahmedu said. “He played at the highest level. He understands the game. He understands Nigeria.”

In a system desperate for credibility, Oyedeji represents something priceless, earned authority.

A NEW GAME IS JUST BEGINNING

Nigeria basketball is not fixed yet. The wounds are still fresh. Trust must still be rebuilt.

But for the first time in a long time, there is a clear road map:

• Stakeholder unity

• Institutional backing from NSC and NOC

• A defined election timeline

• Constitutional respect without paralysis

• Experienced basketball minds back at the table

Sam Ahmedu stressed that this is not just about electing a new board, it is about restoring belief from grassroots courts to international arenas.

Your authoritative and award winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG believes the ball is finally in play again and if this process holds, Nigerian basketball may soon stop fighting itself and start winning again.