By Isaac Akugizibwe
SPORTS
The 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season will tip off on Friday evening at the Lugogo Indoor Arena with two exciting fixtures, including a highly anticipated showdown between defending champions City Oilers and Nam Blazers at 9:00 PM.
The season opener will also feature a thrilling women’s league matchup, as defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins face off against the rejuvenated JT Lady Jaguars at 7:00 PM.
The Oilers-Blazers rivalry promises to be intense, with both teams looking stronger than ever. The Oilers have dominated the league, claiming ten consecutive titles, and they appear poised to add another one to their collection.
For the 2025 campaign, the Oilers have bolstered their squad with new signings: Bolton Rujjumba, Edgar Munaaba, Joseph Chuma, Emmanuel Okumu, and Germaine Roebuck.
Nam Blazers have also made significant reinforcements, positioning themselves as serious title contenders. Their latest acquisitions, Joel Lukoji and Peter Obleng, were key players for KIU Titans, who reached the finals last season. Additionally, Henry Ssebagala and Moses Mugisha, formerly of Our Saviour, join the Blazers.
The Namuwongo-based team made headlines in the pre-season by signing former City Oilers stars Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Tonny Drilleba, who controversially left the champions midway through last season.
Last season, the two powerhouses split their regular-season meetings. Nam Blazers won the first-round encounter 60-54, while City Oilers claimed the second-round match 67-58.
Nam Blazers reached the finals in their inaugural 2022 season, where they lost in a dramatic Game 7 to City Oilers. Their 2023 campaign ended controversially when they were eliminated by KIU Titans in the semifinals.
With their current roster, the Blazers are determined to break City Oilers’ dominance and write their own piece of NBL history.
Additional games will take place on Saturday and Sunday at YMCA in Wandegeya and Lugogo Indoor Arena, respectively.
Last year’s first runners-up, KIU Titans, will open their 2025 season on Saturday, March 29, against Livingstone Basketball Club. Meanwhile, the UCU Lady Canons, the record champions in the women’s league, will begin their 2025 campaign on Friday, March 28, against KIU Rangers.
The first round of the 2025 NBL season is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, May 11.
