“End conflicts and put basketball first”: Ahmed Tijjani challenges incoming NBBF board ahead of October 15 elections

Kaduna State Basketball Association President Ahmed Tijjani has challenged whoever emerges in the upcoming Nigerian Basketball Federation elections to make reconciliation a priority, insisting that Nigerian basketball cannot reach its potential as long as stakeholders remain divided.

The NBBF Elective Congress is scheduled for October 15, 2026 in Abuja, when a new board is expected to emerge for the 2026-2030 cycle. The calendar was approved unanimously at the Extraordinary Congress of the federation held in Yola, attended by 39 of the 44 accredited delegates.

For Tijjani, however, electing new officials will mean little unless the incoming leadership manages to unite a basketball community that has endured years of administrative disagreements.

The Kaduna basketball boss wants aspirants to look beyond the competition for positions and focus on restoring stability, expanding competitions and creating opportunities for young players.

His intervention has particular weight given the recent history of Nigerian basketball. The federation has previously endured damaging leadership disputes, including the crisis surrounding the 2021 electoral process, when the then Sports Ministry suspended an elective congress due to what it described as persistent factionalization.

Tijjani believes the next administration must leave that culture behind.

He has also called for a stronger grassroots programme, particularly through schools and age-grade competitions, arguing that basketball can provide opportunities for young Nigerians while creating a sustainable talent pool for national teams.

“We want to bring basketball to all levels and all ages so we can engage these kids,” Tijjani said recently while speaking on behalf of Northwest basketball stakeholders.

She also wants to see greater opportunities created for girls and believes whoever takes control of the federation should build on existing achievements rather than starting another cycle of internal battles.

The October elections will mark the end of the mandate of Musa Kida, who will confirm that he will not seek a third term and will promise a free and transparent transition. The elections of players, coaches and other representatives of the affiliates are scheduled between October 7 and 14 before the main congress.

Various interests are already rallying around the race, including former D’Tigers star Ejike Ugboaja and Nigerian Energy Commission director-general Mustapha Abdullahi, increasing attention on the direction the federation will take after October 15.

For Tijjani, however, the first task for whoever wins is bigger than an electoral victory: unite Nigerian basketball, end the cycle of conflict and make development, rather than division, the defining story of the next NBBF administration.