The President, FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd) has congratulated the President, Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida and former D’Tigress captain and basketball legend, Mfon Udoka on their re-appointment and appointment into the FIBA Finance and Players Commissions, respectively.
Ahmedu, while expressing joy at the appointments, said it was worthy to note that Nigerians continue to be recognized at the world stage. He enjoined the appointees to continue to keep the Nigerian flag flying and give their best for the development of the game in Nigeria and the Zone.
Ahmedu, however, faulted the closing paragraphs of a publication by one Akeem Busari, which is capable of misleading readers and create mischief.
In the report, Mr. Busari stated that; “re-elected President of FIBA Africa Zone 3 Col. Sam Ahmedu was not listed in the Legal Commission which he served from 2019-2023.
Mr. Busari going this far without giving the rationale for this decision by FIBA smirks of mischief and an attempt to portray me as not being worthy to be retained in the FIBA Legal Commission, which I served from 2019 – 2023.
“In the same report, Busari stated that Mfon Udoka replaced Mr. Olumide Oyedeji in the Players Commission which is not correct. Mr. Oyedeji served in the FIBA Players Commission from 2015 – 2019 and was replaced by a Senegalese, Mathieu Faye in 20I9 – 2023. Mfon Udoka therefore replaces Mr. Faye and not Mr. Oyedeji”.
Col Ahmedu continues, “In any case, for those who are wondering what may have led to my not being re-appointed, it is as a result of a new FIBA policy not to appoint Zone/Continental Presidents into the FIBA Commissions. All Zone and Continental Presidents, which include the likes of myself (President, FIBA Africa Zone 3), Mr. Mathieu Faye (President, FIBA Africa Zone 2), current FIBA Oceania President, David Reid, who also served in the Legal Commission in 2019-2023, among others were also not listed in the current lists of FIBA Commissions. It should be borne in mind that I was an alternate member in the FIBA Nominations Panel, which certified all the candidates for elections at the FIBA Congress in Manila, and nominations into Commissions for the 2023 – 2027 Term of office, Ahmedu concluded.
