Friday, March 1
•JKL Lady Dolphins Vs UCU Lady Canons – 7pm
•Nam Blazers Vs City Oilers – 9pm
The anticipation is palpable as City Oilers and Nam Blazers clash on Friday at the Lugogo Indoor Arena in the National Basketball League.
Originally slated for last week, the matchup was postponed due to City Oilers’ commitments at the Afrobasket Qualifiers, where they had five players representing the Silverbacks.
This face-off carries significant weight as it pits arguably the two best teams in the division against each other. Fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown, fueled by the quality of players on both sides, City Oilers’ illustrious legacy, and the passionate fan base of Nam Blazers.
City Oilers enter the game riding high on a five-game unbeaten streak, having triumphed over Power, Our Saviour, JKL Dolphins, Ndejje Angels, and KIU Titans.
Meanwhile, Nam Blazers have secured four victories and suffered a solitary defeat in their five matches this season, losing to Our Saviour but overcoming KIU Titans, KCCA Panthers, Kampala Rockets, and JT Jaguars.
Last season, City Oilers emerged victorious in both regular-season encounters against Nam Blazers, who later withdrew from the playoffs in protest of FUBA’s decision regarding representation at the Basketball Africa League.
However, in 2021, Nam Blazers pushed City Oilers to a thrilling seven-game Finals series.
Heading into this season’s showdown, Nam Blazers appear well-equipped to halt City Oilers’ pursuit of a historic tenth league title.
With four players averaging double digits in scoring—Innocent Ochera (15.2), Peter Cheng (15.2), Joseph Chuma (11.6), and Michael Makiadi (11.4)—and key contributors like Paul Odong and Daniel Gaaki, Nam Blazers pose a formidable challenge.
However, uncertainty looms over Geoffrey Soro’s availability following a knock in their previous game against JT Jaguars.
City Oilers, despite the absence of head coach Mande Juruni, who departed for Kepler University in Rwanda after securing eight consecutive championships, boast a roster laden with talent.
The trio of Fayed Baale, Titus Lual and Ivan Muhwezi is averaging double figures in scoring while players like Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Tonny Drilleba will also be instrumental in their quest for victory.
