The Kogi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has expressed support for Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi's presidential ambition ahead of the Nigeria Basketball Federation election. Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, is considered a candidate with the vision, competence, and capacity to reposition Nigerian sports, particularly basketball. His experience in basketball administration and as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria makes him suitable for the position.
Acting Chairman of Kogi SWAN, Olatunde Odimayo, signed a statement announcing the chapter's support for Abdullahi's candidature. Odimayo described Abdullahi as a candidate with the experience, exposure, and leadership capacity required to take Nigerian basketball to greater heights. Abdullahi's background in basketball administration, combined with his experience as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, puts him in a position to introduce innovative ideas and effective management to the NBBF.
Abdullahi currently serves as the Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association. The Kogi State Government has previously expressed its commitment to working with the association to advance the development of basketball across the state. Odimayo emphasized that it is high time sports stakeholders supported candidates with the vision, competence, and capacity to reposition Nigerian sports.
Nigerian basketball, according to Odimayo, needs leadership capable of strengthening grassroots development, improving infrastructure, promoting talent discovery, and enhancing the welfare of players, coaches, and other stakeholders. Abdullahi's campaign has focused on providing a fresh direction for Nigerian basketball, with emphasis on innovation, institutional discipline, youth development, infrastructure, corporate investment, and stronger partnerships.
Abdullahi's DAM Foundation has supported grassroots basketball through competitions and other development initiatives, including the annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship in Okene, Kogi State. The NBBF elective congress is scheduled for October 15, 2026, when delegates will elect a new leadership to steer the affairs of Nigerian basketball.
Kogi SWAN expressed confidence that Abdullahi, if given the mandate, would help consolidate the gains recorded in Nigerian basketball while creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for the development of the sport. The chapter believes Abdullahi's leadership would bring about positive change and growth to Nigerian basketball.
The Nigeria Basketball Federation election is set to take place on October 15, 2026. Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi's candidature has received support from various stakeholders, including the Kogi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. His election would be seen as a boost to his vision of repositioning Nigerian basketball.
Key points
- Kogi SWAN supports Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi for NBBF presidency
- Abdullahi's experience in basketball administration and as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria makes him suitable for the position
- The NBBF elective congress is scheduled for October 15, 2026
