Former D’Tigers player Reverend Scambo Morrison has urged all stakeholders involved in the recent Nigeria Basketball Federation elections to set aside their differences and unite in the interest of the game’s growth.
Morrison said the conclusion of the NBBF polls should provide an opportunity for both those elected and those dissatisfied with the process to work collectively and establish a fresh direction for basketball in Nigeria.
He noted that basketball has been held back by repeated internal disputes over the years, resulting in limited progress for the sport. Morrison added that such challenges are not restricted to basketball, pointing to similar difficulties within the Nigeria Football Federation, and insisted that the cycle of crises must end.
“I understand that there are complaints and concerns,” Morrison said, while maintaining that the various parties must move beyond previous disagreements and cooperate for the benefit of Nigerian basketball.
The former international warned that any reconciliation effort must be honest if it is to have real value. “Without sincerity, you have a house divided against itself,” he said.
He further called on those overseeing the reunification process to be transparent in engaging every group. “We should hold them to their promise. Are they genuinely bringing everyone together?” Morrison asked.
Morrison stressed that basketball can only advance if all relevant figures work in partnership, irrespective of their positions or affiliations during the election campaign. “Everyone will need one another,” he said.
Mustapha Abdullahi was chosen as NBBF president at the federation’s elective Congress in Abuja on October 15, taking over from outgoing president Musa Kida for a four-year term.
Abdullahi won the presidency ahead of former D’Tigers skipper Olumide Oyedeji and ex-international Ejike Ugboaja, while Ugo Udezue secured the vice-presidency without opposition. Igoche Mark, another presidential hopeful, pulled out of the contest after raising questions over the credibility and fairness of the process. Most other aspirants were reported to have either been screened out or withdrawn for different reasons.
FIBA has subsequently congratulated Abdullahi and recognised the elective congress as successfully conducted.
