Nigeria Basketball Federation clears candidates for 2026 election

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has finalized the screening of candidates for its upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 15, 2026, in Abuja. The electoral committee, led by Dr. Lanre Glover, cleared four presidential aspirants: Olumide Oyedeji, Igoche Mark, Mustapha Abdullahi, and Ejike Ugboaja. One candidate, Ayo Bakare, was disqualified for submitting nomination forms twelve minutes past the deadline.

In response to the electoral process, youth and student sports leaders have called for a renewal of the federation's leadership. Representatives from the Amalgamation of Regional Youth Organizations of Nigeria and the Students Sports Federation of Nigeria emphasized the need for vision, integrity, and innovation. They argued that the NBBF must move away from stagnation and embrace generational change to improve grassroots systems, athlete welfare, and facility management.

Additional electoral details include Ugo Udezue standing as the sole candidate for vice president, with various candidates contesting zonal positions across the North West, South West, and South-South regions. The committee noted that Igoche Mark must submit tax clearance documentation by Monday to avoid disqualification.