{
  "id": 20089705,
  "title": "Nigeria must give local basketball players a chance – Abdulrahman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/nigeria-must-give-local-basketball-players-a-chance-abdulrahman",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T01:16:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nigeria-must-give-local-basketball-players-a-chance-abdulrahman/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Former D’Tigers coach, Abdulrahman Mohammed, says Nigeria must give local basketball players a chance to develop the domestic league and grassroots talent. Read More: https://punchng.com/nigeria-must-give-local-basketball-players-a-chance-abdulrahman/",
  "key_points": [
    "Abdulrahman believes new NBBF president Mustapha Abdullahi is serious about local player chances.",
    "Abdulrahman played and coached basketball in Nigeria for many years.",
    "Franchise model for BAL may face challenges in Nigeria."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing grassroots development and domestic structures signals a shift toward long-term sustainability for Nigerian basketball, provided the new leadership can overcome funding hurdles and the influence of foreign coaching styles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}