By Amos Suur Gbatse
There is a need for clarity on player registrations in the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) league. Allegations of breaches of FIBA regulations have been made, and stakeholders are seeking answers.
Last season, Rivers Hoopers reportedly fielded players who were already registered and actively competing under other national federations — including Peter Olisemeka and Kevin Amayo
These players were allegedly not cleared through FIBA’s official Letter of Clearance process, yet they participated in the league.
That act directly violates FIBA regulations and represented a serious breach of international basketball standards.
Now, credible information reaching us suggests that Rivers Hoopers may once again have registered players still competing in other federations abroad, while also listing them for the current NBBF League season.
This is a direct violation of FIBA’s international regulations — and it must not be ignored.
To be clear, FIBA Internal Regulations Book 3, Article 3-66 states:
> “A player may not be licensed by more than one national member federation at the same time.”
And Article 3-43 further emphasizes:
> “A letter of clearance may not be issued to more than one national member federation at any one time.”
These provisions leave no room for ambiguity.
A player registered and playing under one national federation cannot, under any circumstances, be simultaneously listed by another.
Example:
If a player is currently competing in France under the French Basketball Federation, and a Nigerian club registers the same player under the NBBF, that act constitutes dual registration — a violation of Article 3-51.
Such misconduct implicates the player, the club, and the federation that allows it.
The consequences are serious:
✅ FIBA may impose sanctions on the player, club, and federation involved.
✅Matches can be invalidated.
✅Disciplinary action can follow.
✅Persistent disregard may even lead to loss of recognition or suspension from FIBA-sanctioned competitions.
What raises deeper concern is the fact that Mr. Fubara Fibika, a well-known supporter and affiliate of Rivers Hoopers, now sits on the League Management Committee.
This creates a clear conflict of interest and raises legitimate questions about fairness and transparency.
We are therefore putting the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) and its League Management on official notice:
any act of selective enforcement or cover-up will be immediately escalated to FIBA and other relevant international basketball bodies.
The world is watching.
Nigerian basketball stakeholders are watching.
We in the media space, social activists and concerned persons will not remain silent while the integrity of the game is compromised.
Fair play is not negotiable.
Rules are not optional.
