Sports Writers in Oyo State have thrown their weight behind the ambition of former Nigeria senior basketball team captain, Olumide Oyedeji, to become the next President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
The sports journalists expressed their support when Oyedeji paid a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office Correspondents at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as part of his consultations ahead of the NBBF presidential election.
During the meeting, the journalists welcomed Oyedeji and congratulated him on his decision to offer himself for the leadership of the federation, describing his wealth of experience in basketball at both national and international levels as an advantage for the development of the sport in Nigeria.
The Oyo sports writers pledged their maximum support for Oyedeji’s aspiration, assuring him that they would continue to provide the necessary media support and promote initiatives capable of repositioning Nigerian basketball.
Welcoming the lanky ex basketballer, Olalekan Sulaiman popularly known as SP noted that Oyedeji’s background as a former captain of D’Tigers, former NBA player and an experienced basketball administrator has placed him in a strong position to provide purposeful leadership for the NBBF.
Speaking during the visit, Oyedeji thanked the journalists for their warm reception and support, saying that despite manipulative attempts by some elements to present another candidate, the state is still solidly behind him. He stressed that his ambition was driven by a desire to contribute to the growth and transformation of basketball in Nigeria.
He explained that his vision was to build a stronger basketball structure that would provide opportunities for players, coaches, referees and other stakeholders, while ensuring that Nigerian basketball regains its pride of place on the international stage.
The former NBA Star also emphasised the importance of unity among basketball stakeholders, saying that the development of the game should remain the collective responsibility of everyone involved.
The former D’Tigers captain has continued his consultations with stakeholders across the country as he seeks support for his bid to lead the NBBF.
With the backing of the Oyo sports media community now firmly expressed, Oyedeji’s campaign appears to be gathering momentum ahead of the federation’s presidential election.
The journalists, while wishing him success, urged him to remain committed to his vision and ensure that the interest of Nigerian basketball remains the priority of his proposed administration.
*Credit: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)*
