City Oilers, the record champions, got their 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) campaign off to a flying start, defeating Namuwongo Blazers 74-65 in an electrifying encounter at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday.
The Oilers, who were seeking redemption after falling short of the 2025 NBL title, responded emphatically with a strong squad performance.
Joel Kayira’s start was marked by Joel Kayira’s impressive jump shot, and the Oilers’ superior ball movement, led by Joel Lukoji and Fayed Baale, left the Blazers struggling to keep pace.
The Blazers fought back in the second quarter, with Michael Makiadi’s back-to-back three-pointers narrowing the deficit to two points.
However, the Oilers asserted their authority after the long break, with Landry Ndikumana and Baale finding their rhythm from beyond the arc, stretching the lead to 10 points.
The Oilers’ onslaught continued into the final frame, with a 6-0 run pushing the lead to 18 points. Although the Blazers mounted a late challenge, it was too little, too late, and City Oilers emerged victorious, 74-65.
Fayed Baale led the scoring chart for the Oilers with 20 points, followed by Landry Ndikumana (17 points) and Joel Lukoji (12 points).
For the Blazers, Peter Obleng (11 points) and Moses Mugisha (10 points) were the top scorers.
