Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, has announced his intention to run for President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation. In response, some basketball players and fans in Northern Nigeria have shown their support for him.
Members of a group called 'Northern Youth Union' have endorsed Abdullahi ahead of the NBBF Elective Congress set for October 15, 2026.
During his recent announcement, Abdullahi promised to focus on grassroots development, discovering talent, improving infrastructure, and taking care of players' welfare if he is elected.
The Northern Youth Union shared a statement with journalists in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, on Sunday. Dr. J.M. Abbah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said they decided to support Abdullahi after talking with youth leaders across the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory.
Abbah spoke highly of Abdullahi's experience, saying, "He has over two decades of direct involvement as a player for Kano State teams, NUGA, Division One and Premier Leagues, the U-18 National Team, and Trafford Basketball Club in Manchester, UK."
He added, "Through the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM) Foundation, he has built a basketball court and sponsored tournaments in Kano State. He runs a basketball academy with over 500 children, organizes the Annual DAM Foundation Basketball Championship in Okene, Kogi State every December, and supports players’ welfare, scholarships, medical assistance, business grants, and job placement, including support for the Great Vibes Basketball Foundation in Abuja."
Abdullahi's role as Director-General of the Energy Commission has shown he can manage and create policies needed to improve league structures, attract corporate sponsorship, and ensure accountability.
The Union also aligned with former NBA agent Ugo Udezue, saying Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of talent but the need for a solid business structure. They believe Abdullahi’s vision treats basketball as an industry that can create jobs and attract investments, similar to the Basketball Africa League.
The Union pointed out that Abdullahi’s history of helping people and creating job opportunities in the federal civil service shows he cares about people more than politics.
They are confident that under Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the NBBF will enter a new phase with proper grassroots facilities in every zone, regular and profitable leagues, better welfare for D’Tigers and D’Tigress, and real youth empowerment.
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