Basketball
NBBF Elections: NSC Issues Major Policy Ruling, Halting Musa Kida’s Third-Term Bid
By Chinedum Ohanusi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has fired a decisive and devastating salvo that has all but ended the schemings by incumbent President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Ahmadu Kida for a tenure elongation, and an unprecedented 3rd term for those serving in the current board.
The directive by the NSC, as widely circulated in virtually all known media outlets in the country, firmly shut the doors, against speculations of an attempt by some members of the highly divided NBBF Board, to circumvent the letter and spirit of their own constitution, which was recently fortified, in an effort to have divergent interests and stakeholders, on one page.
In a formal letter addressed to the NBBF President, Engr. Kida, the NSC made its stance unequivocally clear, by stating that “no federation president or member of a board, can seek a third term in office”.
The same letter added that, “and for the avoidance of doubt, the next NBBF elections are locked in for January 2026—not a day later”.
With that, the Commission, which apparently acted on a similar guideline released by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has effectively closed the chapter, on any further talk of a tenure extension, or manoeuvres for an unprecedented 3rd term, for a President of the NBBF.
According to insider sources, the NSC hierarchy we understand moved quickly to silence swelling uncertainty over the federation’s electoral timetable and growing rumours that Engr. Kida who was first elected in 2017 and now in the wee weeks of his second four-year tenure, was considering stretching his stay beyond constitutional limits.
Sports Day has it on good authority that some power blocs had floated an alternative expiration date of October 2026, pointing to the August 5th inauguration by the then Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare, in Abuja.
But the NSC also shot that one down, by asserting that the board’s legitimacy traces back to the January 31, 2022 election in Benin City, conducted under strict FIBA supervision, and the elected officers sworn-in immediately after.
Although, Engr Kida who also assumed duties, as non-executive chairman of the NNPC Limited has not openly said he is seeking a third term in office, his body language, and unwillingness to ingite the process for the elections, which should hold in two months time.
Vice President of the NBBF, Babatunde Ogunade, who Chaired the panel that reviewed the constitution of the body, with a view to reunite the factions, has on many occasions stated that the constitution doesn’t have a place for third term and that, he was certain that Engr. Kida is not seeking an extension to his stay as the NBBF boss.
But speaking with sports journalists in Abuja, not long ago, after an event at the National Institute for Sports, the Borno-born administrator, whose popularity has fallen to an all-time low, refused to categorically deny his “inordinate ambition”, as some stakeholders have called it.
With this directive, the basketball community in Nigeria waits to see one thing—whether the NBBF will toe the constitutional line or test the resolve of the country’s highest sports authority, the NSC. Either way, the countdown to 2026 has officially begun.
Basketball
Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14
Joel Ajayi
Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.
Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14th to 15th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.
The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.
The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.
“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.
He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.
“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.
“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.
“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.
In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.
“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.
He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.
“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.
“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.
“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.
This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.
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