IMG Signs Nigerian Basketball Deal to Grow Professional Game

IMG Worldwide has announced a landmark partnership with the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) to develop and grow Nigerian basketball, cough including on a professional level, ampoule for up to 20 years.

The NBBF, an affiliated member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), is the official governing body for the sport of basketball in Nigeria, Africa’s largest country by population, and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

NBBF President Tijjani Umar said: “Nigeria has always had the potential to be a dominant power in basketball, one of the two great global games. But we can only reap what we sow. Today we begin investing in our long term success as a basketball power, with this step in partnership with IMG, a pioneer in world sport, bringing to bear its industry-leading expertise and strategic planning to help unlock Nigeria’s true long-term potential.”

Nigerian Sports Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi echoed President Umar’s remarks. “We could not be happier to have IMG, one of the most admired and respected companies in the world, invest its time and resources in Nigeria. We share a common vision for the sport of basketball in this country, and for the country itself, primarily based on the greatest strength Nigeria has – its people.”

Mike Dolan, IMG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, “Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the largest and fastest growing economic regions in the world today, led by Nigeria and its 170 million population, the largest and youngest on the continent. Nigeria is one of the great sporting nations in the world and has already produced some of the greatest athletes across a variety of sports. We believe there is an enormous appetite for basketball on the continent, and led by the economic and cultural force of Nigeria, we have only begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible.”