On May 12, 2022, the government withdrew Nigeria from international basketball competitions for two years. The ban was as a result of a power tussle for the leadership of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), dating as far back as 2017.
As at June 23, 2022, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development announced the approval of the immediate return of Nigeria to international basketball.
The approval was granted after a letter of appeal dated June 17, 2022, which was signed by the leader of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board and addressed to the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Development.
The leadership of NBBF apologized to the President and Minister over the embarrassment the developments around basketball and the conduct of some stakeholders has brought upon Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary gave a stern warning that after the approval, caution must be taken to ensure that the laws of Nigeria are not subjugated to any other law, and that every Nigerian entity must respect constituted authority.