Nigeria must give local basketball players a chance – Abdulrahman

Former D'Tigers coach Abdulrahman Mohammed discusses the new NBBF leadership's emphasis on grassroots basketball development in an interview with PETER AKINBO. He believes that the new NBBF president, Mustapha Abdullahi, is serious about giving local basketball players a chance and that it will not take much time to establish a structure that supports domestic basketball.

Abdulrahman played and coached basketball in Nigeria for many years, and he is confident that the domestic league can thrive with the right framework in place. He also praises the Women's BAL as a great initiative and encourages Chiney Ogwumike to continue her efforts in promoting female basketball in Nigeria. However, he acknowledges that American coaches often prioritize results over developing local players, which could hinder the progress of domestic basketball.

Abdulrahman believes that the franchise model for the new BAL may face challenges in Nigeria, particularly in terms of funding and long-term commitment from state governments. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the future of basketball in the country.