Almost a month after a two-year ban was placed on international basketball activities, the Federal government has reversed its decision.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has approved the immediate return of Nigeria to international basketball competitions.
The development was announced by Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development during a conference at the nation’s capital city, Abuja on Thursday.
President Buhari-led administration resolved to place a ban on Nigerian basketball system, Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) in the face of looming decay in May.
As stated by Abubakar, the latest decision is based on a letter of appeal from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), signed by Mr Musa Kida.
He stated the intervention by concerned stakeholders, former Nigerian international basketball players and well-meaning Nigerians to seek solutions to the issues triggered the decision.
Abubakar said the approval was granted following a letter of appeal dated June 17, 2022, which was signed by Musa Kida, leader of the Nigeria Basketball Federation board, and addressed to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
He added “the letter appealed to the Minister to use his good offices to approach President Buhari for the reversal of the 2-year withdrawal of Nigeria from international basketball competitions.”