Baale shines as Oilers outclass Blazers in season opener

Record NBL champions City Oilers opened their 2026 campaign in style, defeating defending champions Namuwongo Blazers 74–65 on Friday, February 7.

Fayed Baale led the scoring with 20 points, supported by Landry Ndikumana’s 17 and Joel Lukoji’s 12. For the Blazers, Peter Oblong managed 11 points while Moses Mugisha added 10.

Baale expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: “We had a good game, though we were a bit reluctant in the second quarter. We came out strong, and we are happy with this win. Our technical team has beefed up, and new signings have motivated us. We are ready for the season.”

City Oilers Benjamin Kawumi lays up under pressure from Namuwongo Blazers James Okello and Nyembo Fataki during a FUBA league match at Lugogo, February 6, 2026. Oilers won 74-65. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He added that the Oilers’ depth will be key: “Our offense is stocked with quality players, and defensively we have improved a lot with our biggest signings. We should be able to take care of games.”

The game tipped off with debutant Joel Kayira hitting a jump shot, immediately energizing the Oilers. The backcourt duo of Lukoji and Baale orchestrated crisp ball movement, leaving the Blazers chasing. By the end of the first quarter, the Oilers held a narrow 10–8 lead.

JT Jaguars Rhoda Nagitta (Left) takes on Pearl Queens Rose Adhiambo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The Blazers fought back in the second quarter, with Michael Makiadi sinking back-to-back three-pointers to cut the deficit to 22–24. Despite Blair Wadaya’s driving layup, the Oilers maintained a 35–32 halftime advantage.

After the break, the Oilers took control. Ndikumana and Baale drained crucial three-pointers to stretch the lead to double digits within two minutes. Isaac Athuai added a smooth layup to close the third quarter at 57–41.

In the final quarter, the Oilers scored six unanswered points, forcing a Blazers timeout. Though Peter Obleng hit a corner three-pointer, Titus Lual responded instantly to keep the Oilers ahead. Henry Ssebagala trimmed the margin to 10 points late on, but the Blazers could not recover.

Women’s NBL Action

In the women’s opener, JT Lady Jaguars crushed Pearl Queens 74–29, with Brenda Kayaga scoring 17 points and Mary Priscilla Nambogo adding 12. Rosiana Mungwapa led Pearl Queens with 13 points, while Jane Chisom grabbed 11 rebounds.

JT Jaguars Sandra Ayikoru (Left) takes on Pearl Queens Agatha Kamwada. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Saturday’s fixtures saw Victoria University She Crocs defeat Miracle Eaglets 45–34 after a 20–9 halftime lead. KCCA Leopards also impressed, beating defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins 73–65.

Other Men’s Results

Sommet BC overcame JKL Dolphins 65–56, Victoria Crocs handled Kampala Rockets 83–62, and JT Jaguars edged KCCA Panthers 51–49 in a tense contest.

JT Jaguars’ starters contributed evenly: Chuol Dut Abraham Akuei (11 points), Were Mark (12), Ian Lubwama (9), and Peter Sifuma (10).

Friday 6th (Lugogo)

Women

JT Lady Jaguars 74 Pearl Queens 29

Men

City Oilers 74 Namuwongo Blazers 65

Saturday 7th (Kira Den)

Women

VU She Crocs 45 Miracle Eaglets 34

KCCA Leopards 73 Lady Dolphins 65

Men

Sommet BC 65 JKL Dolphins 56

Victoria Crocs 83 Kampala Rockets 62

JT Jaguars 51 KCCA Panthers 49

Sunday 8th (Lugogo)

Women

UCU Lady Canons v Angels 10AM

Nabisunsa v KIU Rangers 12PM

Lady Tomahawks v Magic Stommers 2PM

Men

UPDF Tomahawks v Rezlife Saints 4PM

UMU Flames v UCU Canons 6PM