The Lagos Legends Basketball Club (Maktown Flyers) won the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League on November 24, defeating Rivers Hoopers 74-72 in the final. This victory earns them Nigeria’s sole ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Despite the triumph, stakeholders used the victory reception in Abuja to demand the urgent revival and restructuring of Nigeria’s basketball administration.
Calls for NBBF Overhaul
- Abridged League Criticism: Stakeholders criticized the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for relying on an abridged league format for over five years, which they say “stunted the growth of the sport.”
- Restore Structure: Igoche Mark, owner of Markmentors BC, insisted the NBBF must restore the proper home-and-away league format to ensure long-term development.
- NBBF Acknowledgment: NBBF board member Col. Samuel Ahmadu admitted that the NBBF has “failed our stakeholders,” confirming the format is detrimental to the sport.
The Lagos Legends’ General Manager, Akerannan Manasseh, described their championship run as “nothing short of miraculous,” noting the team overcame major challenges in funding and recruitment. The club is now focused on securing support for their continental campaign at the BAL.
