Oyedeji, who is also Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association, made his declaration as Nigerian basketball prepares for the NBBF elective congress scheduled for 15 October in Abuja.
Oyedeji promises to rebuild Nigerian basketball
The former Nigeria international said his decision to contest was driven by what he described as a desire to rebuild, reunite and reposition Nigerian basketball.
Oyedeji pointed to his more than three decades of involvement in the sport, from grassroots basketball in Ibadan through the NBA, Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, African Games and professional leagues across six continents.
“I understand the journey because I have lived it—from the grassroots courts of Ibadan to the biggest basketball stages in the world,” Oyedeji said.
He said Nigerian basketball has the talent, coaches, officials and young population needed to compete at the highest level, but argued that poor structures, inadequate investment, disunity and leadership disputes have restricted the sport's development.
Athlete welfare at the centre
Oyedeji's proposed administration would place athlete welfare at the centre of its agenda.
He also proposed mentoring initiatives and educational scholarships for domestic players.
Grassroots development and talent identification
Grassroots basketball is another major component of Oyedeji's proposed programme.
He wants to work with state basketball associations to establish development programmes across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones while expanding the sport's reach into schools, communities, local government areas and underserved locations.
The former D’Tigers captain also wants to strengthen the pathway from youth basketball through domestic competitions, national teams and professional opportunities abroad.
Domestic league reforms
Oyedeji said Nigeria's domestic leagues require restructuring to create a more reliable and commercially sustainable basketball ecosystem.
His plans include a dependable basketball calendar and professionally managed men's and women's competitions capable of attracting players, coaches, officials, broadcasters, supporters and sponsors.
He also wants to expand the wider basketball economy by developing administrators, team managers, medical personnel, journalists, media officers, content creators and marketers.
Women’s basketball a priority
Women’s basketball features prominently in Oyedeji's proposed plans.
He has pledged deliberate investment in creating more opportunities for girls and women to develop, compete and take leadership positions within the sport.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of Nigeria's strong record in women's basketball, particularly the success of D’Tigress on the continental stage.
Oyedeji's campaign argues that this success needs to be supported by stronger structures capable of developing and retaining female talent.
Coaches and officials to receive more support
Oyedeji also wants greater investment in the development of coaches and technical officials.
His proposals include continuous professional development, certification, mentorship and international exposure for coaches, referees, statisticians, commissioners and other technical personnel.
He has also proposed partnerships with FIBA and other international sporting bodies for elite training and certification programmes.
National-team selection, he said, should be based on merit, performance, discipline, commitment and national interest.
Governance and financial accountability
Financial and administrative accountability is another central part of Oyedeji's proposed programme.
He has pledged audited financial reports, open governance and clear institutional policies as part of efforts to improve confidence in the federation.
He also wants to reposition the NBBF brand to attract corporate sponsors, media-rights partnerships and private-sector investment.
Infrastructure is similarly included in his plans, with Oyedeji proposing collaboration between federal, state and private-sector partners to refurbish existing facilities and develop modern community basketball courts.
October 15 election approaches
Oyedeji's declaration comes as the NBBF moves towards its next leadership transition.
The federation's Extraordinary Congress approved 15 October 2026 for the elective congress in Abuja, while elections involving technical representatives, players' representatives and other affiliate bodies are scheduled to take place between 7 and 14 October.
Current NBBF president Ahmadu Musa Kida has said he will not seek a third term, meaning attention is now shifting to the candidates seeking to lead the federation from 2026 to 2030.
FIBA had previously set 15 October as the deadline for the completion of the NBBF election process, with the incoming board expected to assume office no later than 16 October.
Oyedeji has presented himself as a bridge-builder and pledged to prioritise unity, transparency, athlete welfare and measurable development if elected.
“The game belongs to all of us, and everyone must have a meaningful place within it,” he said.
The former D’Tigers captain will now seek to turn his playing pedigree, administrative experience and international connections into support ahead of the October 15 election.