FG approves Nigeria’s withdrawal from international basketball competitions

Nigeria’s withdrawal from all international basketball events has been authorized by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The immediate suspension, which comes as the culmination of years of leadership turmoil, will last two years.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare issued the directive on Thursday.

Dare, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Ismaila Abubakar, said a committee will be formed to monitor basketball leagues.

“President Buhari has sanctioned Nigeria’s withdrawal from all international basketball events for a two-year term,” he stated.

Dare went on to say that the development will let the government focus its efforts on revitalizing the sport.

The leagues’ operation and development will be overseen by the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

Two parallel national federation board elections were held in 2017 (in Kano and Abuja) and 2022 (in Benin and Abuja).