Following the squabbles engulfing the Nigeria Basketball Federation(NBBF), President Muhammadu Buhari has approved with immediate effect the withdrawal of the nation from all international basketball competitions The Trumpet gathered.
In a brief with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare revealed that it became expedient to save the grits left of the sports owning to the controversies rocking the leadership of the NBBF.
The minister, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Ismaila Abubakar, added that a committee will be set up to oversee basket leagues in the country while engaging in the total restructuring of the ailing sport gasping for a breath of survival.
According to him, the ministry is committed to the revamping of the sport from the grassroots to the basketball leagues in the country and appealed to all players, fans and relevant stakeholders to remain calm.
“Following the unending crises which have plagued and nearly crippled the development of basketball in Nigeria, President Buhari has approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions for a period of two years,” Ismaila said on behalf of the Minister.
“This is with immediate effect,” he reiterated.
He continued: “This will also allow for the setting up of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the management and development of the domestic basketball leagues in Nigeria.
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“In issuing the order, the Federal Government reiterates its interest and commitment to the development of the sport of basketball in Nigeria as well as the huge talents of our youth domestically in an atmosphere free of rancour and squabbles.
“Government, therefore, calls on players, officials, fans and other stakeholders of the sport to remain calm as it embarks on far-reaching initiatives to reposition, sustain and stabilise the game of basketball.
“This will aid in the growth and success of the sport in the long-term interest of the country,” he added.
The leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation have been enmeshed in deep-rooted controversies that brewed between two factions for over five years running.
Following the above, two factional executives of the contending groups held parallel congresses that ushered in news excos in 2017 in Kano and Abuja and subsequently, Abuja and Benin in 2022.
