By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 19, 2026

Retired Colonel Sam Ahmedu has expressed confidence that Olumide Oyedeji can play a stabilising role in Nigeria basketball, as key stakeholders move to end years of administrative turmoil following a crucial meeting in Abuja aimed at resetting the sport’s governance.

Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 and one of Nigeria’s most influential basketball administrators, said the prolonged crisis that has plagued the game could finally be nearing an end, stressing that peace would return through structure, dialogue and strict adherence to the law rather than force or improvisation.

Central to Ahmedu’s vision for stability is the involvement of Oyedeji, whom he identified as a key figure capable of restoring credibility to the system at a time when trust in basketball administration remains fragile.

Oyedeji, a former NBA player and long-serving Nigeria captain, has represented the country at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Africa Games and major continental competitions.

“Having Oyedeji around is a massive plus,” Ahmedu said.

“He played at the highest level. He understands the game. He understands Nigeria.”

His remarks followed a meeting convened by the National Sports Commission in Abuja, presided over by its Director General, Bukola Olopade, where stakeholders spoke with a rare sense of unity on the future of the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

Ahmedu described the gathering as a turning point and declared, “This is a fresh tip-off.”

Nigeria basketball has endured years of leadership disputes, court cases and suspended programmes, leaving players and officials caught in a cycle of uncertainty.

Ahmedu insisted that the only path forward was discipline and order, anchored by a properly conducted NBBF Elective Congress, which he said was being targeted for or before March 31.

“We want to follow the law and do things in an orderly manner,” Ahmedu said, while acknowledging that constitutional grey areas existed.

He added, “The constitution is for us; we can adjust. But we must not overstretch it, and we must not violate it.”

He emphasised that the Congress remained the supreme authority, warning against shortcuts, power grabs or rushed decisions, and urged calm among all parties involved.

According to Ahmedu, the Abuja meeting should serve as a foundation for a legitimate and inclusive electoral process rather than a battleground for competing interests.

He added that if the current momentum is sustained, the sport could finally move away from internal conflict and refocus on performance and development, marking what he described as the beginning of a new game for Nigeria basketball.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 19, 2026

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