Former D’Tigers captain and Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice President Olumide Oyedeji has formally declared his intention to contest the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), unveiling an agenda centred on unity, athlete welfare, grassroots development and reforms of the domestic leagues.

Oyedeji, who also serves as Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association, made his declaration on Monday, October 5, presenting his extensive playing and administrative experience as part of his case for leading Nigerian basketball.

The former Nigerian international said his decision was driven by a desire to “rebuild, reunite and reposition” the sport after years of disagreements and leadership challenges within the basketball community.  

With more than three decades of involvement in basketball, Oyedeji highlighted his journey from grassroots basketball in Ibadan to the NBA, Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, African Games and professional leagues across six continents.

“I understand the journey because I have lived it—from the grassroots courts of Ibadan to the biggest basketball stages in the world. I know the journey, and I am ready to build the pathway for the next generation,” he said.  

Oyedeji argued that Nigeria possesses the players, coaches, officials and youthful population required to compete at the highest level, but said the country’s basketball potential has been affected by weak structures, inadequate investment, disunity and recurring leadership crises.

He pledged to address what he described as personal interests, regional divisions, political interference and unnecessary conflicts, while placing athletes at the centre of his proposed administration.

Athlete welfare at the centre

A major component of Oyedeji’s agenda is improved welfare for players, with proposals covering insurance, medical support, injury protection and fair treatment.

He also proposed post-career mentoring and educational scholarship programmes for domestic players, arguing that the federation’s responsibility should extend beyond an athlete’s active playing career.  

Grassroots development

Oyedeji also promised an aggressive grassroots programme involving state associations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

His proposal includes taking basketball into schools, communities, local government areas and underserved locations, with greater emphasis on identifying talent outside the traditional basketball centres.

He said no talented Nigerian child should be denied an opportunity because of geography, background, connections or financial circumstances.  

Domestic league reforms

The NBBF presidential hopeful also identified the domestic leagues as an area requiring significant attention.

He pledged to establish a reliable basketball calendar and develop men’s and women’s competitions that are competitive, professionally managed and commercially attractive.

According to him, players, coaches, officials, broadcasters, sponsors and supporters must be able to have confidence in the league structure.

Oyedeji also proposed developing administrators, team managers, medical personnel, journalists, media officers, content creators and marketers as part of a broader basketball economy capable of creating jobs and opportunities.

Women’s basketball priority

Women’s basketball also features prominently in his proposed programme, with Oyedeji promising deliberate investment in creating greater opportunities for girls and women to develop, compete and occupy leadership positions.

He said Nigeria’s record of producing outstanding female players and teams must be supported by structures capable of protecting and expanding that legacy.  

Coaches, officials and national teams

Oyedeji further proposed continuous professional development, certification, mentorship and international exposure for coaches, referees, statisticians, commissioners and other technical personnel.

He said partnerships with FIBA and other international organisations could provide opportunities for training and certification.

He also pledged that national-team selection under his proposed administration would be based on merit, performance, discipline, commitment and national interest.

“Merit, not favouritism must determine the opportunity,” he said.  

Transparency and investment

Financial and administrative accountability form another pillar of Oyedeji’s proposed programme.

He promised audited financial reports, open governance and clear institutional policies while seeking to reposition the NBBF brand to attract corporate sponsorship, media-rights partnerships and private-sector investment.

He also proposed collaboration with government and private-sector partners to refurbish existing facilities and develop modern community basketball courts.

Oyedeji said his international relationships across the NBA, FIBA, Olympic movement and other sporting organisations could be used to pursue exchange programmes, technical assistance, scholarships, sponsorship opportunities and development initiatives for Nigerian athletes and officials.

A call for unity

Oyedeji described unity as a central objective of his proposed administration and called on stakeholders to place the broader interests of Nigerian basketball above individual considerations.

“The game belongs to all of us, and everyone must have a meaningful place within it,” he said.  

 His declaration comes as the NBBF prepares for its next board election, with October 15, 2026, announced as the election date following the federation’s recent Congress. Other aspirants, including Dr Mustapha Abdullahi and former D’Tigers player Ejike Ugboaja, have also entered the presidential race.

The election follows a period of significant governance disagreements within Nigerian basketball, including earlier disputes surrounding the federation’s Congress and constitutional processes. Those disputes have attracted calls for greater clarity and institutional stability.  

Oyedeji closed his declaration with a direct appeal to stakeholders, pledging service, unity and leadership as he begins his campaign for the NBBF presidency.

“I am ready to serve you. I am ready to unite us. I am ready to lead.”