Ayo Bakare Calls for Full Participation in NBBF Premier League

Veteran Nigerian basketball coach Ayo Bakare has called on players and clubs to fully embrace the approaching 2026 NBBF Premier League, despite his long-standing criticism of the current basketball federation leadership.

Bakare, head coach of Ebun Comets and former national team boss, emphasized that skipping matches would harm player development in a league already short on fixtures.

‘ANY League is better than NO League at all,’ he wrote, stressing that consistent competition is vital for growth.

While acknowledging flaws in the league’s design and governance, Bakare highlighted positives such as restrictions on foreign imports, which he believes will create more opportunities for domestic talent.

He also encouraged stakeholders to consider owning franchises collectively, setting new standards for professionalism in Nigerian basketball.

Despite his opposition to the current NBBF board, Bakare insisted his political stance would not interfere with his commitment to the game.

‘I remain unapologetic about my desire to see the current NBBF Board go. But I will never allow my political convictions to affect the development of the game and players,’ he stated.

Comets will participate fully in the 2026 season, with Bakare urging other teams and players to do the same, framing the league as a crucial platform for sustaining Nigerian basketball.