Abuja: Basketball stakeholders have renewed calls for the urgent revival of the country’s basketball administration. They made the call at a special reception for Lagos Legends Basketball Club, the newly crowned champions of the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Legends clinched the Premier League title on November 24, defeating defending champions, Rivers Hoopers, 74-72 in a tense Final 4 decider on their home court in Port Harcourt. Igoche Mark, owner of Markmentors Basketball Club, commended the Legends and described the feat as a ‘defining moment’ for Nigerian basketball.
Mark highlighted the unexpected rise of the Legends, also known as Maktown Flyers, whose success this season exceeded expectations and reflected the growing competitive strength within the league. He expressed confidence that Maktown Flyers would set a new benchmark for Nigeria at the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Mark also used the occasion to renew calls for a more structured domestic competition, noting that the current league format hinders long-term development. He advocated for an overhaul of the local league’s structure, insisting that the NBBF must restore a proper home-and-away format if Nigerian basketball is to progress.
In addition, Col. Samuel Ahmadu, a board member of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), praised the Legends’ grit but acknowledged deep-rooted challenges affecting the sport’s development. He pointed out that the national league and the BAL are not on the same level and emphasized the need for rebuilding.
Ahmadu acknowledged that the NBBF’s prolonged reliance on an abridged league format, now running for over five years, has stunted the growth of the sport. He expressed hope that the next administration would prioritize accountability, structure, and long-term development planning.
Akerannan Manasseh, General Manager of the Maktown Flyers, called the championship run “nothing short of miraculous,” highlighting the team’s rapid rise despite challenges in player recruitment and funding. He noted that the team’s success under a five-year plan came much sooner than anticipated, marking a significant achievement for the club.