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FIBA Fixes October Deadline for NBBF Elections Amid Governance Concerns

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 26th, 2026.

The international basketball governing body, FIBA, has directed the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to conduct its next board elections on or before October 15, 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring stability and adherence to constitutional processes within the federation.

The decision follows concerns raised by stakeholders and former board members over the tenure of the current NBBF leadership headed by Musa Kida. According to Daily Trust, some stakeholders had argued that the board’s mandate expired earlier this year and sought FIBA’s intervention to prevent a governance vacuum and potential external interference.

In a letter signed by FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis, the global body acknowledged receiving multiple petitions relating to governance and election timelines. FIBA noted that it has closely monitored administrative challenges within Nigerian basketball since 2017, particularly disputes that tend to escalate during election periods.

The organisation recalled that previous crises led to serious consequences, including Nigeria’s withdrawal from major international competitions such as the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, as reported by The Guardian. It added that sustained intervention efforts helped stabilise the federation, culminating in a return to normalcy in October 2022.

Clarifying the current situation, FIBA stated that the tenure of the existing NBBF board remains valid until October 15, 2026, and that elections must be concluded by that date. The body also advised that the electoral process should take place after the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which is scheduled to end on September 13, 2026.

The incoming board is expected to assume office no later than October 16, 2026, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership. FIBA emphasised that the elections must be conducted strictly under the federation’s existing statutes, warning that any amendments to the rules would not be recognised before the completion of the process, a position also highlighted by The Nation Newspaper.

The global body further stressed that the entire exercise must comply with its regulations to guarantee transparency, credibility, and fairness. The directive, according to analysts, is aimed at preventing a repeat of past governance crises that hindered the growth and international standing of Nigerian basketball.

As preparations begin, stakeholders across the basketball community are expected to closely monitor the process, with many viewing the upcoming elections as critical to the sport’s future in Nigeria.