By Emmanuel Fateman and Destiny Jemiriayegbe
Former D’Tigers player and 2006 NBA Draft pick, Ejike Ugboaja, has called for a transparent, inclusive and credible process ahead of the October Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) election.
Ugboaja, who is President of the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation and a candidate for the NBBF presidency, made the call in Abuja while urging stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to actively participate in the electoral process and contribute to the development of the sport.
According to him, the forthcoming election presents an opportunity for stakeholders to focus on strengthening the structures supporting basketball development across the country.
“We cannot afford to make another mistake that will further push our basketball into the doldrums. This is the time for every stakeholder to rise and ensure that the right thing is done in the period leading to the election,” Ugboaja said.
The former national team player said his decision to seek the NBBF presidency was motivated by his desire to contribute his experience to the development of Nigerian basketball.
Ugboaja has a background that spans domestic and international basketball, having progressed from the Nigerian basketball system to the NBA.
In 2006, he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Reflecting on his career, Ugboaja said his experience demonstrated the potential within Nigeria’s basketball system and the need to create stronger pathways for young players to progress from domestic competitions to the international stage.
“I am the only player from the Nigerian Premier Basketball League to have been drafted directly from the league into the NBA in 2006. Since then, no player has made that same journey,” he said.
“That should tell us that something is fundamentally wrong and that there is an urgent need to restructure our basketball system.”
He said his campaign would focus on using his experience within the game to contribute to the improvement of basketball administration and player development.
“That is why I have decided to come out and contest for the position of NBBF President. I have the will, the determination and, above all, the passion for this game.
“I have passed through the system, I understand where the problems are, and I believe I understand what needs to be done to fix them.
“This is the right time for me to step forward and play my part in turning Nigerian basketball around.”
Calls for Fair Electoral Process
Ugboaja also commended the Federal Government’s attention to sports development and called on the Nigeria Sports Commission to support an electoral process that allows eligible stakeholders to participate.
He specifically appealed to the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, to encourage an open and orderly process.
“I am happy with what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for Nigerian sports. I do not believe any Nigerian President has invested so much in sports as he has done,” he said.
Ugboaja said the NBBF election should provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express their preferences freely and participate in accordance with the applicable rules governing the federation.
“This election must be open and accessible to everyone. Every genuine stakeholder must be given a fair opportunity to participate,” he said.
He also raised questions about preparations for the October election, including arrangements for the venue, noting that at the time of his remarks, he had not seen an officially announced venue.
“Can you imagine that, as we speak, we do not even have a venue for the election?” he asked.
Focus on Stakeholder Participation
Ugboaja further called for clarity and adherence to established procedures in relation to the administration of State Basketball Associations.
He said stakeholders should be given adequate opportunity to understand and participate in processes affecting basketball administration at both state and national levels.
“We will vehemently kick against imposition. I will go the extra mile to ensure that the right thing is done,” he declared.
‘Basketball Belongs to All of Us’
For Ugboaja, the NBBF contest goes beyond the individual candidates seeking the presidency.
He said Nigerian basketball should remain focused on the interests of players, coaches, administrators, clubs, state associations and other legitimate stakeholders.
“Nigerian basketball belongs to all of us. It cannot be the personal property of a few individuals,” he said.
“The game deserves transparency, accountability and a leadership that understands what is at stake.
“We have talented players, passionate coaches, dedicated administrators and millions of Nigerians who love basketball. What we need now is a system that gives those talents a genuine opportunity to thrive.
“This election must be about the future of Nigerian basketball — not about protecting individual interests.”
From Kaduna to the NBA
Ugboaja’s basketball journey began in Kaduna, where he represented the state at the 2001 National Sports Festival in Ibadan.
His performances subsequently earned him a place with Yelwa Hawks before he moved to Union Bank Basketball Club, Lagos.
In 2006, his career reached a significant milestone when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.
He later represented Nigeria at major international competitions, including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 2007, 2009 and 2011 FIBA Africa Championships, and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Beyond his playing career, Ugboaja has continued his involvement in basketball development through the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation, which seeks to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their basketball skills alongside their education.
As the October NBBF election approaches, Ugboaja is seeking to bring that experience into basketball administration.
His appeal is for players, coaches, administrators, clubs, state associations and other eligible stakeholders to participate in the process and remain focused on the long-term development of Nigerian basketball.
For Ugboaja, the forthcoming election represents an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the direction of the sport and the structures required to create more opportunities for Nigerian players and teams at home and internationally.