The president of Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engineer Ahmad Musa Kida says the emergence of six players with ancestral links to the country in the United States’ elite league affirms the nation’s continued production of talents of the game.

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Sports247 reports further that Kida stated as much while celebrating the successful surge of the Nigerian sextet in the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, which he said shows that the country continues to produce world class talents in the sport of giants.

He eulogised the emergence of Ebuka Okorie (17th Overall Pick, Oklahoma City Thunder, subsequently traded to Detroit Pistons); Zuby Ejiofor (23rd Pick, Atlanta Hawks); Otega Oweh (41st Pick, Miami Heat, traded to Oklahoma City Thunder).

Other Nigerians in the 2026 draft are, Felix Okpara (46th Overall Pick, Orlando Magic); Tobi Lawal (48th Overall Pick, Dallas Mavericks) and Ugonna Onyenso (53rd Overall Pick, Houston Rockets, subsequently traded to Detroit Pistons).

While wishing them all a successful rookie NBA season, Kida said he hopes they will represent Nigeria’s men’s national team, D’Tigers and acknowledged the roles played by parents, coaches, schools, academies and mentors in developing the lads.

Kida added, “On behalf of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, I congratulate these outstanding young men and their families on this remarkable achievement. Their selection is a testament to their dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment.

“Nigeria continues to produce world-class basketball talent. These young players further strengthen our nation as one of the premier sources of elite talent globally. We are proud and look forward to seeing them represent Nigeria with distinction.”

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has asked President Bola Bola Tinubu to learn from former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, saying they never deregistered opposition political parties.

Atiku made the call on Saturday in reaction to an attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, through the courts.

The former Vice President said attempts to restrict political competition run contrary to democratic principles and could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

“Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari never deregistered opposition political parties. Copy and learn from them.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku said.