By Paul Joseph
Former Nigerian international basketball player Ejike Ugboaja has declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), saying he wants to help unite the basketball community and establish a more transparent, professional and sustainable system.
Ugboaja said his decision was not driven by the desire for a position, but by a commitment to give back to a sport that has played a major role in his life.
Having represented Nigeria internationally, he said his experience as a player had exposed him to both the opportunities basketball offers young Nigerians and the challenges facing players, coaches, clubs, administrators and other stakeholders.
According to him, Nigerian basketball has the talent and potential to compete at the highest level, but this can only happen through unity, proper structures, investment and effective leadership.
Ugboaja said restoring unity within the basketball family would be one of his priorities.
He wants the NBBF to provide an inclusive platform for players, coaches, clubs, state associations, referees, administrators, sponsors and other stakeholders to work together.
He said personal differences and factions should not be allowed to undermine the development of the sport, stressing that decisions must be guided by the interests of Nigerian basketball.
Drawing from his playing experience, Ugboaja said athletes must have a stronger voice in the administration of the game.
He pledged to promote better player welfare, development and career opportunities, while creating clearer pathways for young Nigerians seeking professional basketball careers.
He also wants players to be supported throughout their careers and included in decisions affecting the future of the sport.
Ugboaja said Nigeria has abundant basketball talent but needs a stronger system for identifying and developing it.
His proposed approach includes greater investment in youth competitions, coaching education, talent identification, scouting and access to quality facilities.
He wants young players to have a structured pathway from grassroots basketball to professional and international competition.
Ugboaja also identified a strong domestic league as essential to the success of Nigerian basketball.
He said the NBBF should work closely with clubs, sponsors, broadcasters, government and the private sector to create a professional and commercially attractive league.
According to him, a stronger domestic league would develop players, create jobs, attract investment and provide fans with a competition they can follow and support.
With his international experience, Ugboaja said he would seek stronger connections between Nigerian basketball and the global game.
He wants Nigerian players to gain access to legitimate opportunities through relationships with international clubs, academies, leagues, scouts and coaches.
However, he stressed that international partnerships should also contribute to the development of basketball within Nigeria.
Ugboaja said the federation must operate with clear structures, measurable objectives, accountability and professional standards.
He wants sponsors to have confidence in the federation, players to see opportunities, coaches to receive development support, clubs to operate in a predictable environment and state associations to feel represented.
Ugboaja also placed emphasis on women’s basketball, pointing to the achievements of the D’Tigress as evidence of Nigeria’s potential.
He said the success of the national women’s team must be supported with stronger grassroots programmes for girls, improved domestic competitions, player development pathways and greater investment.
Ugboaja’s broader ambition is to position Nigeria as a major force in African and global basketball.
He said the country has the talent, population and passion required to compete at the highest level but needs quality coaching, strong competitions, modern facilities, sports science, technology, investment and effective administration.
“Nigeria already has the talent. The priority now is to build the structures capable of unlocking that talent,” he said.
Ugboaja said his ambition goes beyond winning an election, describing his candidacy as a call to rebuild confidence in the administration of Nigerian basketball.
His campaign is built around four key words which includes Unite, Rebuild, Develop and Compete.
He said the objective is to bring stakeholders together, create opportunities for young players, support coaches and clubs, strengthen grassroots basketball, improve the domestic league and attract sustainable investment.
Having played for Nigeria and experienced basketball beyond the country’s borders, Ugboaja said he is ready to bring his experience and relationships to the service of the basketball community.
His ultimate goal, he said, is to build a united, professional and sustainable Nigerian basketball system capable of developing talent, creating opportunities and competing successfully on the international stage.
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