NBBF headquarters move: Onwunali defends Enugu, says move will boost basketball development

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By Wakawaka Sports

The controversy surrounding the relocation of the second phase of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Premier League Atlantic Conference from Lagos to Enugu has taken another turn, as the Media Manager of the South East Basketball Association (SEBA), Kennedy Onwunali, has defended the decision, describing it as a step towards expanding the growth of basketball in Nigeria.

Onwunali, in a response to the petition by the President of Ebun Comets Basketball Club, Mr AO Bakare, argued that the objections raised against Enugu as the host venue were based on assumptions rather than verifiable facts.

He argued that a state’s ability to host a national basketball event should be judged based on adequate planning, organization and safety measures, rather than mere perceptions.
In his opinion, limiting major basketball competitions to only traditional venues would slow the development of the sport in other parts of the country.

“The growth of Nigerian basketball depends on expanding opportunities beyond the usual venues. Emerging basketball communities must be able to gain the experience needed to contribute to the development of the game,” Onwunali said.

He noted that Enugu has continued to demonstrate its capacity to host major sporting activities, pointing to the state’s preparations to host the 2026 National Sports Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of athletes, officials, administrators and other sports stakeholders from across Nigeria.

Onwunali questioned the argument that Enugu does not have the capacity to host a basketball conference involving league teams and officials, stressing that the state has the necessary infrastructure and sporting environment for such an event.

“If Enugu can be trusted to host a national multi-sports event of the magnitude of the National Sports Festival, then concerns about hosting a basketball conference should not be exaggerated,” he added.

He also rejected suggestions that the change of venue may have been influenced by hidden interests, describing such claims without evidence as capable of creating unnecessary tensions between the parties involved.

The SEBA media manager further said that sponsorship, logistics and support from host communities are common practices in sports administration globally and should be seen as contributions to the development of the game.

He urged stakeholders to focus on the success of the championship season and support decisions to make basketball more inclusive across Nigeria.

“Basketball development requires confidence in new venues and not limiting opportunities only to established centers,” Onwunali said.