NBBF VP Udezue pledges basketball growth in Nigeria

The newly elected Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Ugo Udezue, has pledged balanced growth for the sport across the country, promising to serve all six zones and the Federal Capital Territory equally.

Udezue, who is the chief executive of AFA Sports, emerged unopposed at the federation’s elective congress in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Dr Mustapha Abdullahi was elected president.

In a statement, Udezue thanked the delegates and congratulated Abdullahi, saying the new board would build on the work of previous administrations and focus on grassroots and infrastructure development.

“I am deeply grateful to the delegates of the Elective Congress for the trust you placed in me today. This victory belongs to every state association, coach, player and fan who believes Nigerian basketball can stand among the very best in the world.

“I warmly congratulate Dr Mustapha Abdullahi on his election as President. I look forward to working closely with him and the new Board to build on the foundations laid by those who served before us.

“To the South East, and to every zone that stood with us: thank you. Our work now is to serve all six zones equally. That means better facilities, stronger leagues, and national teams run with the professionalism our athletes deserve.

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“To my fellow candidates, I extend my respect and an open hand. Let us move forward together.

“The work begins now.”

Udezue was Chairman of the Sponsorship and Marketing Committee in the outgoing board led by Musa Kida.

The congress was held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged stakeholders to put their differences aside and support the new leadership.

“Today is the day to show that we are for basketball. Whatever it is, let’s put the ball to a stop here and see how we can move forward together as one family,” Dikko said.

Outgoing president Kida thanked President Bola Tinubu, Dikko, the National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and other stakeholders for their support during his eight-year tenure.