Sports
Former FIBA President Attributes NBBF Crisis To Constitution
Former President of FIBA Africa, Muktar Kahleh, has revealed that the major crisis rocking Nigeria Basketball Federation is from the constitution that governs the association.
Speaking to journalists after Wednesday’s meeting with Basketball stakeholders, Mr Muktar Kahleh was confident problems will be resolved very soon and the aggrieved parties will be happy again.
“The meeting was very successful, the two parties met and discussed, the honourable minister and National Olympics Committee (NOC) president were there and directors of federal ministry of sports. We had fruitful discussions and a resolution has been made on how to solve the crisis rocking NBBF.
He added, “the contending issue is the constitution, some parties are not in agreement with the constitution, and some are, but because of that now, the resolution is that both parties should go and look at the constitution”
“Whatever area they do not agree with, they should write and submit to the ministry and NOC. And 21-day notice has been given, within that period ministry and NOC will look at contending issues and we will call back for how to resolve the issues.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Nigeria Basketball Federation elections have been suspended until the issues surrounding their constitution are resolved.
The Ministry of Sports and the Nigeria Olympics Committee gave Musa Kida and Tijanu Umar factions 21-day ultimatum to resolve their problems.
“The Congress is not taking place anymore, no election for NBBF at the moment, until when the issues have been resolved. The two parties have come and sat down and discussed and I think it’s very possible that a peaceful resolution will be arrived at,” he concluded.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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