President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr Musa Kida has described the emergence of Hamane Niang as FIBA President as the beginning of a new era in International Basketball.
Kida who was one of the 156 National Federations delegates in attendance where Niang was unanimously voted as the new FIBA Boss alongside new Central Board members for the 2019-2023 term in office said the emergence of an African as FIBA President was long over due.
“This is a new chapter in the history of basketball globally which is a step in the right direction for FIBA. We are happy that this is coming out of Africa at this particular point in time.”
Kida who took over the leadership of Nigeria Basketball Federation leadership in 2017 said the emergence of Niang has given Africans hope that they can be the best
“Basketball in recent years has continued to witness tremendous growth all over Africa. Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Angola and others have been at the forefront of this. The emergence of Monsieur Niang will hopefully consolidate this new found status of African countries on the international basketball stage.”
He expressed optimism that the newly elected FIBA President will bring his wealth of experience in sports administration to bare in piloting the affairs of FIBA for the next 4 years.
“On behalf of my board, we wish him all the best in the next four years and we are optimistic that under his watch, new innovations will be brought to the sport which will have positive impact on Africa.”
Hamane Niang succeeded Horacio Muratore.
Hamane Niang has been Vice President of FIBA and also President of FIBA Africa for the period of 2014-2019, having formerly been president of the Mali Basketball Federation and also a Malien Minister of Sport.
Niang alongside the FIBA Central Board Members and Treasurer will join FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis as well as the Presidents of FIBA’s five regions: Anibal Manave of Africa, Carol Callan of the Americas, Sheikh Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani of Asia, Turgay Demirel of Europe and Burton Shipley of Oceania for the new term.
