Oyedeji joins NBBF presidential race, vows to unite Nigerian basketball

Former D’Tigers captain and ex-NBA player Olumide Oyedeji has formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), promising to unite stakeholders, improve transparency and strengthen grassroots development.

Oyedeji, who has spent more than two decades representing Nigeria and working in sports administration, said he believes his experience as an elite athlete and administrator has prepared him to lead Nigerian basketball into a new era.

The NBBF election is scheduled for 15 October 2026 in Abuja, with the federation’s electoral committee expected to screen and publish the list of cleared candidates between 8 and 9 October.

Oyedeji banks on administrative experience

The former D’Tigers captain is presenting his international sports administration experience as one of the major strengths of his campaign.

Oyedeji currently serves as Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association, becoming the first African to occupy the position after his election in January 2026. He also serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and is a vice-president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

He previously served on the FIBA Players’ Commission and has also chaired the Nigeria Athletes Commission.

Speaking on his decision to seek the NBBF presidency, Oyedeji said his experience in sports administration has given him the knowledge required to manage the federation.

“Not every sportsman is going to be great at administration, so what happens? I’m the Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association and that’s the first African to ever be in that position.”

He added: “I’m a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, I’m a former member of the FIBA Commission, I’m the former member of the World Anti-Doping Agency Athletes Council, also president of the Olympians Association, chairman Nigeria Athletes Commission and the Laureus Award winner.”

A call for unity

Oyedeji said his ambition is centred on changing the face of Nigerian basketball while bringing stakeholders together.

He acknowledged the credentials of another presidential aspirant, former D’Tigers international Ejike Ugboaja, describing him as a friend and brother.

“Ejike Ugboaja is a friend and a brother. I respect him for what he’s done,” Oyedeji said.

However, he maintained that he possesses the experience and knowledge required to take charge of the federation.

“I know I have all what it takes to be there. The knowledge, the experience, it’s all there,” he added.

Grassroots development a priority

Oyedeji’s proposed agenda includes greater attention to grassroots basketball and the development of a stronger pathway for young players.

The former NBA player has already been involved in youth development through the Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation, which the World Olympians Association says has empowered more than 45,000 young people across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas through education, mentorship and sports development.

His campaign comes at a time when Nigerian basketball stakeholders are demanding stronger domestic structures, improved competitions, better player welfare and more effective grassroots programmes.

The NBBF election will determine the federation’s leadership for the 2026–2030 cycle, with the incoming board expected to assume office on 16 October.

Experience meets ambition

Oyedeji’s playing career included a spell in the NBA after he was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2000 NBA Draft. He also represented Nigeria at major international competitions and captained the national team for a decade, including at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

His transition from the court to sports administration has seen him occupy roles at national, continental and international levels.

With the NBBF presidential contest now entering its final stages, Oyedeji believes that combination of playing experience and administrative exposure can help him deliver the reforms he is promising.

The contest also includes former D’Tigers star Ejike Ugboaja and other aspirants, making the October 15 election a significant moment for the direction of Nigerian basketball.

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