Former D’Tigers star, Ejike Ugboaja, has called for a transparent, credible and level-playing field ahead of the October Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) election, warning that personal interests should not be allowed to undermine the future of Nigerian basketball.
Ugboaja, who made the appeal while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, urged stakeholders to defend the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all eligible participants are given a fair opportunity to contest.
The President of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation said he possesses the qualities to lead the NBBF, having played the game, adding that he’s ready to fix Nigerian basketball and take it to the next level.
Ugboaja said Nigerian basketball had reached a critical point where stakeholders must look beyond individual interests and focus on rebuilding the structures needed to develop players, coaches and teams capable of competing internationally.
He added that his decision to contest the NBBF presidency was motivated by his desire to contribute to the development of the sport rather than personal ambition.
Ugboaja said, “I have decided to come out and contest for the position of NBBF President. I have the will, the determination and, above all, the passion for this game.
“I have passed through the system; I understand where the problems are, and I believe I understand what needs to be done to fix them.
“This is the right time for me to step forward and play my part in turning Nigerian basketball around. We cannot afford to make another mistake that will further push our basketball into the doldrums.
“This is the time for every stakeholder to rise and ensure that the right thing is done in the period leading to the election.”
Ugboaja, who made history in 2006 when he was selected 55th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Draft, said his journey from the Nigerian domestic league to the NBA had given him first-hand knowledge of both the potential and challenges within the country’s basketball system.
He added, “I am the only player from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League to have been drafted directly from the league into the NBA in 2006.
“Since then, no player has made that same journey. That should tell us that something is fundamentally wrong and that there is an urgent need to restructure our basketball system.”
Ugboaja commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its investment in Nigerian sports, while urging the Nigeria Sports Commission to ensure that the gains recorded in the sector are not undermined by the NBBF electoral process.
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He called on NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Bukola Olopade to ensure that the NBBF election is conducted in an open and accessible manner.
“I am happy with what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for Nigerian sports. I do not believe any Nigerian President has invested so much in sports as he has done.
“I want the Nigeria Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, to ensure that the good work being done with the support of Mr. President is not rubbished in one day by people who simply want to perpetuate themselves in office.”
“This election must be open and accessible to everyone. Every genuine stakeholder must be given a fair opportunity to participate. Nigerian basketball belongs to all of us.
“It cannot be the personal property of a few individuals. The game deserves transparency, accountability and a leadership that understands what is at stake.”
