African Basketball League Responds To The Defaming, Unguarded And Patently Incorrect Statements Of The NBBF

The attention of the African Basket Ball League and Africa Sports and Entertainment Management Company Limited (collectively, the “ABL”) has been brought to a press release issued by the Nigerian Basket Ball Federation (“NBBF”) on various social media platforms.

At the outset, it is important to state that the ABL would have refrained from joining issues with the NBBF in the media, but is constrained to promptly make this succinct statement to correct the various patently inaccurate statements contained in the NBBF’s press release. Equally significant, is to state that nothing that the ABL has done came as a surprise to the NBBF.  Indeed, quite the contrary.  THE ABL HELD VARIOUS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE NBBF, PRESENTED THE NBBF WITH VARIOUS COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES, ALL GEARED TOWARDS DEVELOPING YOUNG TALENT, SPONSORING VARIOUS PROGRAMS, AND IMPROVING THE WELFARE OF PLAYERS, COACHES AND REFEREES, TO NAME A FEW.

 Now to address certain sensational misrepresentations contained in the NBBF’s press release:

• Even a cursory review of the NBBF’s press release reveals that it was intended to be sensational and vitriolic and no attempt whatsoever was made at fact-checking.
• The ABL has the approval of FIBA Africa with a test run.
• The ABL held various meetings with the NBBF.  The NBBF expressed support for the ABL and, in fact, stated that the success or otherwise of the ABL’s inaugural season will determine the extent of the role that the NBBF would play in collaborating with the ABL.
• It follows from points 1 and 2 above that ABL is in very good standing.
• The ABL does not intend to supplant the Nigerian Basket Ball League or the efforts of the NBBF. The ABL is interested in collaborating with the NBBF towards the development of a world-class Pan-African basketball league.

Regarding the various other statements contained in the NBBF’s press release, the ABL states, with respect, as follows:

1. It is the FUNDAMENTAL and CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT of players, coaches, referees and, indeed, owners of the various teams to ASSOCIATE WITH WHOM THEY PLEASE.  The NBBF cannot legislate with whom these groups may associate.

1. The NBBF needs to work with the promoters of the various teams. There cannot be a league without the teams.

1. The NBBF should not engage in scare tactics and a tear-down campaign against the supporters, both corporate and individuals, of the game we all seek to promote towards diversifying the Nigerian economy, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as responsible entertainment for the public.

1. The scare tactics of the NBBF constitute, amongst other things, tortuous interference with business and advantageous relations.

1. The tone of the NBBF’s press release is demeaning to members of the public.  Nigerians are not “uninformed” – Nigerians are DISCERNING.

1. The NBBF should cease and desist from interfering with the decisions of the various other African Basketball Federations which have been very supportive of the ABL.

In the final analysis, the ABL seeks to work collaboratively with the NBBF and looks forward to the possibility of having issues resolved, fairly, amicably and promptly.  The foregoing is without prejudice to all legal recourse available to the ABL.

SIGNED:

AFRICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE