JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Post views: 27
By Silvernews
Coal City Blazers coach, Chiedozi Nwoye, has expressed optimism ahead of his team’s debut season in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) season.
The Nigerian basketball tactician reflected on the club’s preparations following the official start of the 2026 NPBL season,
which was tipped off on May 16th after a previously scheduled date of May 9th.
The championship, organized by the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the League Management Company (LMC), includes twenty teams divided into the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.
According to the league format, the 2026 season will be played in four phases: the group phase (home and away), the group phase (Round Robin), the playoffs involving the top eight teams and the finals with the last four teams.
Each conference was also divided into two groups of five teams each.
The Enugu-based team was drawn in Group B of the Atlantic Conference alongside Athletes For Peace, Maktown Flyers, Edo Beads and Kwara Falcons.
All Group B matches will be played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Enugu team will open their campaign against Edo Beads as they look for a winning start in the elite basketball league.
Speaking before the match, Coach Nwoye said the team is fully focused and understands the importance of starting the season on a positive note.
“Our preparation for today’s match is great knowing that it is our first match. The coaching staff understands how important the match is and the players are ready for the challenge,” he said.
Our preparation for today’s match is great knowing that it is our first match. The coaching staff understands how important the game is and the players are ready for the challenge,” he said.
Assistant coach, Coach Kingsley Achu, also described the preparations as intense, expressing confidence in the players’ preparation for the new season.
The preparation is intense and the players are ready for the championship,” said coach Achu.
Co-owner of the team, Ugo Udezue, South East representative on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and CEO of Afasports, said the team is fully prepared to make a strong impact in the league.
The team is fully charged and ready to make a big impact in the league this season,” said Udezue.
Enugu Side will now look to make a strong statement in their first appearance in the NPBL as they battle for a place among the top teams in the country’s elite basketball league.
