Ado Salisu
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has confirmed that retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu faces no regulatory impediment to serving on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
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In a letter dated October 19, 2026, and addressed to NBBF President, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said Ahmedu had been a member of FIBA bodies since 1997, making him the longest-serving Nigerian within the international basketball governing structure.
The clarification comes after the NBBF elective congress held on October 15, which produced a new board for the 2026 to 2030 tenure.
Ahmedu, who is the President of FIBA Africa Zone Three, has played a prominent role in basketball administration over several decades.
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FIBA also congratulated Dr Mustapha and other newly elected board members, expressing support for the federation’s commitment to good governance and elections conducted in line with its constitution and applicable FIBA regulations.
The international basketball governing body also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing NBBF board under the leadership of Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida.
The confirmation has renewed attention on Ahmedu’s place in Nigerian basketball administration, with his experience and international connections seen as potential assets for the development of the game.
It is expected that effective use of his institutional knowledge could strengthen basketball administration, improve international cooperation and create more opportunities for Nigerian players.
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FIBA’s clarification provides a regulatory reference point as the new NBBF board begins its tenure, while the focus remains on promoting good governance and advancing basketball development in the country.
The NBBF board is expected to serve for the 2026 to 2030 term.