The Association of Young Nigerians Basketball Advocates (AYNBA) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to disrupt the October 15 elective congress of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), warning that another leadership crisis could further affect the development of the sport in the country.
In a statement issued yesterday, AYNBA alleged that former NBBF presidential aspirant, Sam Ahmedu, was working with some unnamed individuals to frustrate the electoral process because of concerns over the outcome of the election.
The association urged all stakeholders to allow the congress to hold as scheduled, insisting that delegates should be given the opportunity to elect the next leadership of the federation.
According to AYNBA, the issue goes beyond the ambition of any individual, stressing that repeated leadership disputes have continued to affect Nigerian basketball.
The group also raised concerns over the process of selecting delegates to the NBBF Congress, particularly allegations surrounding the representation of Benue State.
AYNBA recalled the protest by a group of indigenous basketball players in Benue in October 2021, during which the protesters demanded Ahmedu’s removal as chairman of the Benue State Basketball Association.
The association alleged that the controversy surrounding the Benue basketball administration was an indication of the divisions that had affected the sport at state and national levels.
It also referred to the January 30, 2017 NBBF Annual General Meeting controversy, making allegations about attempts to disrupt the gathering. However, the claims contained in the statement were not independently substantiated.
AYNBA further made allegations concerning the handling of the reported $2.25 million Kwese sponsorship funds and called for greater transparency in the emergence of delegates for the forthcoming election.
The association said the use of what it described as “Toronto delegates” to influence electoral outcomes should not be allowed, insisting that all delegates must emerge through a transparent and legitimate process.
The group said it was not supporting any particular candidate, noting that its interest was in the future of Nigerian basketball.
As young basketball players, we do not care who becomes NBBF president. We do not care whether the person is an existing stakeholder or an outsider. We care about competence, credibility, capacity, welfare, competitions, grassroots development and opportunities,” the statement said.
AYNBA maintained that the next NBBF administration would have the responsibility of addressing the challenges confronting the game, including factional disputes, player welfare, competitions and grassroots development.
The association also appealed to all stakeholders to put the interest of the sport ahead of personal ambitions.
Let the rules apply equally to everyone. Let the delegates decide. Let the stakeholders choose. Whoever emerges should be allowed to lead. The game is bigger than every individual and faction,” it stated.
The group therefore called on the NBBF and its stakeholders to ensure that the October 15 elective congress is conducted peacefully and transparently.
“Let the Congress hold. Let the delegates decide. Let Nigerian basketball move forward,” AYNBA said.
