Chairman of the Nigeria Basketball Federation Electoral Committee, Dr Lanre Glover, has confirmed that the deadline for submission of nomination forms by candidates contesting for positions on the NBBF board  closed yesterday .

Glover stressed that the date and time were sacrosanct, describing the submission deadline as one of the key provisions guiding the NBBF elections, and urged candidates to comply with the directive, warning that the committee would not entertain anyone who failed to meet the deadline.

According to him, a detailed timetable for the elections has already been made public, with stakeholders and the wider basketball community eagerly awaiting the polls that will usher in a new board to oversee the administration of the sport in Nigeria.

Glover reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to a seamless process in the build-up to a credible election, which will climax with the NBBF elective congress scheduled to hold in Abuja on October 15.

The Electoral Committee was approved at the federation’s Extraordinary Congress held in Yola, Adamawa State, where 39 of the 44 delegates in attendance endorsed a panel made up of seasoned professionals, technocrats and experienced sports administrators.

Besides Glover, the committee comprises Sr Femi Olugbile, Alhaji Sani Fema, Engr Priscilla Ngozi Iroaganachi, Major General David Lubo and Mallam Farouk Yarima, with Barrister Ichene Kalu serving as secretary.

The election timeline released by the committee reads as follows: call for nominations, September 30; deadline for submission of nominations, October 8 at 2pm; publication of the list of qualified candidates, October 10; and commencement of the elective congress in Abuja, October 15 at 9am.

Meanwhile, the South-East Basketball Association has declared its full support for the candidacy of Dr Mustapha Abdullahi ahead of the October 15, 2026 election of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

In a statement made available to the media, the association said it carefully considered the experience and programmes of the various presidential contestants before deciding to throw its weight behind Dr Abdullahi.

The association said Dr Abdullahi’s vision for grassroots development, improved basketball infrastructure, talent development and the overall growth of the game influenced its decision.

The South-East representative on the NBBF Board and vice-presidential candidate, Chief Ugo Udezue, said Dr Abdullahi has what it takes to take Nigerian basketball to the next level.

According to Udezue, Dr Abdullahi’s plans are geared towards developing basketball from the grassroots, providing the required facilities and creating opportunities for young players to discover and develop their talents.

“For the South-East, this means real investment where it has long been needed: standard courts and facilities across our states, structured youth and school competitions, stronger club and state leagues, and clear pathways for our young players to reach the national teams and professional ranks. The South-East has always produced talent. Under Dr Abdullahi, that talent will be developed here at home, and our clubs and state associations will become true partners in the growth of Nigerian basketball,” Udezue said.

Also speaking, the Head Coach of Coal City Blazers, Chief Chiedozie Nwoye, expressed his support for Dr Abdullahi, saying the clubs in the zone are proud to identify with his candidacy and are ready to work with him towards the development of basketball in the South-East.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Imo State Basketball Association, Hon. Johnbosco Okeahialam, expressed his support for Dr Abdullahi, saying he is willing to work with him to further develop basketball in Imo State and the South-East.

The South-East Basketball Association said other state basketball association chairmen in the zone have also expressed support for Dr Abdullahi’s candidacy ahead of the election.

In its statement, the South-East Basketball Association said it is 100 per cent behind the candidacy of Dr Mustapha Abdullahi and will give him every support he needs ahead of the NBBF presidential election.

The association added that it believes Dr Abdullahi’s emphasis on grassroots basketball, infrastructure and talent development could provide a strong platform for the continued growth of the sport.

The South-East Basketball Association therefore calls on all basketball stakeholders to consider the programmes and vision presented by the various contestants as the federation prepares for the October 15 election.

Lead City University stunned African champions University for Development Studies of Ghana 1-0, handing the Ghanaian side its first defeat at the 15th West African University Games in Ile-Ife.

The result came after UDS had opened their campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Afe Babalola University, scoring four goals to emerge as early Group B contenders.

Lead City, however, put in a disciplined defensive display to keep the Ghanaians scoreless, and a single goal was enough to secure all three points.

The defeat marks a sharp contrast for UDS, who went from scoring four goals in a six-goal encounter against ABUAD to failing to find the net against Lead City.

While ABUAD managed to breach the Ghanaian champions’ defence twice, Lead City went a step further by shutting them out and making their chance count at the other end.

The result has opened up the Group B race, with UDS unable to build on their opening victory and Lead City boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

For UDS, the defeat represents their first setback of the competition and a test of their response after their impressive opening performance.

Lead City, meanwhile, have made an early statement by containing one of the tournament’s leading sides and securing a valuable three points in the process.

The result adds further intrigue to the men’s football competition in Ile-Ife, with the battle for progression in Group B now wide open.

Christian Eriksen has left Wolfsburg by mutual consent, just over three months after collapsing during Denmark’s friendly with Ukraine.

The former Manchester United midfielder’s contract with the German second-tier side had been scheduled to run until June 2027.

Eriksen, 34, had previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening European Championship group match against Finland in Copenhagen in 2021.

“At the moment, it is important for me to be close to my family in Denmark. I’m pleased that we were able to find a solution together,” Eriksen said.

“My time in Wolfsburg was marked by many highs and lows. I know that the club is now in good hands as it aims to make its way back to the Bundesliga, and I am convinced that a successful future lies ahead.”

Eriksen, who has not played since June, joined Wolfsburg as a free agent a year ago after leaving Manchester United and made 34 appearances for the club.

The 151-cap international has previously played for Ajax, Tottenham, Inter Milan and Brentford.

In a statement, Wolfsburg’s managing director for sport, Dieter Hecking, said: “It was clear that the decision about his future had to be Christian’s.

“We wanted to give him that freedom in this particular situation and have now agreed to his request to terminate the contract.

“Despite his short time here, he has left a lasting impression on his team-mates, our staff and the fans.”