Some Nigerian basketball players demanded on Tuesday that the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, settle the continuing leadership problem in the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the NBBF is now mired in a leadership struggle, with Musa Kida and Igoche Mark vying for the Federation’s president.
Both individuals were chosen in simultaneous elections on January 31 in Benin and Abuja, respectively, with other board members.
Stanley Gumut, the Players Representative on the Mark-led NBBF Board, accompanied a group of players to the Minister’s office on Tuesday in Abuja.
He stated that the action was part of the players’ resolutions at their most recent meeting, and he criticized the Ministry for not doing more to address the problem.
Gumut bemoaned the fact that the crisis had harmed the athletes’ careers.
“This visit is sequel to the non-receipt of response in spite of series of letters written to the ministry.
“We thought it wise to visit the ‘Games Master-General’ of the country, and have an honest conversation with him.
“Our visit shouldn’t be deemed a protest, because it is a visit to the Sports Minister, who in addition is the custodian of all sports in Nigeria. He is like a father figure to us.
“Mark ‘D’ Ball Championship has kept us busy in recent years, but with the championship coming to an end, we are tempted to ask, ‘what will become of our future as players ?’ Gumut told newsmen.
He said unfortunately the players were unable to see the minister, as they were told he was not around.
Gumut however said the players would continue to explore ways to resolve the crisis in the interest of the nation and the development of the sport.
