Former D'Tigers coach Ayodele Bakare has called on Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) stakeholders to evaluate Olumide Oyedeji's presidency bid based on his personal record and responsibilities. Bakare, who owns Comets Basketball Club, made this statement in reaction to comments made by Coach Eleniyan regarding Oyedeji's career. Oyedeji, a former Nigeria captain, was part of the NBBF leadership during the 2017 crisis and later served as South-West representative on the board elected in 2022.
Bakare emphasized that Oyedeji's playing career should not shield him from scrutiny, but rather, his actions and decisions during his time in leadership positions should be examined. He stated that if someone has evidence of Oyedeji's personal involvement in a particular decision or failure, it should be presented and examined. This approach, Bakare argued, would ensure a fair assessment of Oyedeji's qualifications for the NBBF presidency.
Bakare highlighted several initiatives attributed to Oyedeji's time as League Chairman, including measures to improve player welfare, salary payments, and scheduling. He also mentioned welfare provisions for referees, statisticians, and match commissioners. Additionally, Bakare cited Oyedeji's efforts in securing sponsorship deals, expanding the women's league, and organizing grassroots basketball camps across the country.
Oyedeji's grassroots initiatives include basketball camps in various cities, such as Kano, Jos, and Lagos. He also established programs like the Rising Stars Basketball Championship, the National Intercollegiate Basketball Championship, and the Hoops & Read Basketball Club. Furthermore, Bakare noted Oyedeji's involvement with Dolphins Basketball Club, which won the 2025/2026 Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League.
Bakare stressed that the same level of scrutiny should be applied to all aspirants, with delegates given access to documented records, responsibilities, and proposed ideas to assess. He quoted Eleniyan as saying, "Ask the questions. Demand the evidence. Examine the record." This approach, Bakare believes, will ensure a fair and informed decision-making process.
Oyedeji's contributions to basketball in Nigeria are not limited to his playing career. Bakare highlighted his involvement in various initiatives that have positively impacted the sport. As the NBBF presidency race heats up, stakeholders will be evaluating the qualifications and records of various aspirants.
The NBBF presidency race is expected to be a competitive one, with various stakeholders vying for the position. Oyedeji's bid, backed by his documented record and contributions to basketball in Nigeria, is expected to be a strong contender. The outcome of the election will be closely watched by basketball enthusiasts and stakeholders in Nigeria.
Key points
- - Former D'Tigers coach Ayodele Bakare urges NBBF stakeholders to judge Olumide Oyedeji's presidency bid on his documented record. - Oyedeji's initiatives as League Chairman include measures to improve player welfare and grassroots development. - Bakare emphasizes the need for evidence-based scrutiny of all aspirants in the NBBF presidency race.
