National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko has dismissed calls for the Nigeria Basketball Federation board to resign following D’Tigress’ disappointing outing at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.
Nigeria suffered defeats in all three Group B matches and exited in the first round, including a heavy 111–56 loss to France. The performance has sparked demands from some stakeholders for the removal of the Musa Kida-led NBBF board.
Dikko, however, said the federation’s leadership could not be removed solely because of the team’s poor showing, stressing the need to follow due process and comply with FIBA regulations.
“We cannot just wake up and start disbanding boards,” Dikko said, warning that any move must be coordinated with FIBA to prevent sanctions.
He said Nigeria could face an international ban if it interferes with the federation without following the appropriate procedures.
FIBA currently recognises the NBBF board’s mandate until October 15, 2026, with a new leadership expected from October 16. The forthcoming election therefore provides the established avenue for any change at the federation.
D’Tigress’ early exit has nonetheless triggered concerns over team preparation and the administration of Nigerian basketball. The team had arrived at the tournament after winning a record fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025 and reaching the quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Meanwhile, the NSC said D’Tigress players and officials have received the naira equivalent of the 100,000-dollar presidential reward promised following their 2025 AfroBasket victory.
