Former D'Tigers international Ejike Ugboaja has urged the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to revamp the country's domestic basketball structure. He believes that the current system, which features short competitions, is hindering the development of home-based players. Ugboaja, who is seeking the NBBF presidency in next month's board elections, made these remarks at a press conference in Abuja. He emphasized that a more robust domestic league is essential for producing players who can compete at the national level.
Ugboaja's comments come at a time when Nigeria's domestic basketball league is facing criticism for its short duration. The former Nigeria international pointed out that, during his playing days, the domestic league provided a platform for him to develop his skills and eventually get drafted into the NBA in 2006. He noted that very few players today have had similar opportunities, citing the lack of a competitive and sustainable domestic league. According to Ugboaja, this has made it challenging for home-based players to develop and challenge for places in the national team.
Ugboaja proposed a domestic league that lasts at least eight months, with regular competitions to improve player development and create a stronger pool for the national teams. He argued that Nigerian basketball cannot make meaningful progress with competitions lasting only a few weeks. The former player drew comparisons with international leagues, stating that Nigeria should adopt a similar structure to ensure its players receive adequate competitive experience.
In addition to a revamped domestic league, Ugboaja wants basketball to be taken to secondary schools and universities as part of a wider grassroots development programme. He believes that this will provide more opportunities for young people to engage in the sport, particularly amid insecurity and other social challenges confronting the country. Ugboaja emphasized that basketball has the power to change lives and take young people off the streets.
The former player also questioned Nigeria's growing dependence on foreign-based players for the national team. He argued that a stronger domestic system would create more opportunities for locally based players to develop and compete for national team spots. Ugboaja noted that it is now difficult to see a locally based player making the national team, with many spots filled by players from the United States.
Ugboaja's proposed reforms focus on giving players the opportunity to play regularly, improve their skills, and build professional careers. He stressed that his ambition is not simply to take over the federation but to create a sustainable basketball structure that can provide opportunities for the next generation. The former player is confident that his plans can help transform Nigeria's basketball landscape.
With the NBBF presidential election approaching, Ugboaja's proposals are likely to feature prominently in his campaign. His vision for a more robust domestic league and grassroots development programme has the potential to shape the future of Nigerian basketball. As the country looks to improve its basketball structure, Ugboaja's ideas will likely be closely watched by stakeholders and fans alike.
Key points
- Ejike Ugboaja calls for a domestic league lasting at least eight months to improve player development.
- Ugboaja proposes taking basketball to secondary schools and universities as part of a grassroots development programme.
- The former player seeks to create a sustainable basketball structure that provides opportunities for the next generation.
