By Silvernews
Head coach of Coal City Blazers, Chiedozi Nwoye, has expressed optimism ahead of his team’s debut campaign in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) season.
The Nigerian basketball tactician reflected on the club’s preparations following the official commencement of the 2026 NPBL season,
which tipped off on May 16 after an earlier scheduled date of May 9.
The league, organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation and the League Management Company (LMC), features twenty teams divided into Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.
According to the league format, the 2026 season will be played in four phases — the Group Stage (Home and Away), Inter-Group Stage (Round Robin), Playoffs involving the top eight teams, and the Finals featuring the last four teams.
Each conference has also been split into two groups of five teams each.
The Enugu-based side has been 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 side will open their campaign against Edo Beads as they seek a winning start to life in the elite basketball league.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Coach Nwoye said the team is fully focused and understands the importance of starting the season on a positive note.
“Our preparation for the game today is great knowing it is our first game. The coaching staff understands how important the match is, and the players are ready for the challenge,” he said.
Our preparation for the game today is great knowing it is our first game. The coaching staff understands how important the match is, and the players are ready for the challenge,” he said.
Assistant coach, Coach Kingsley Achu, also described preparations as intense, expressing confidence in the readiness of the players for the new season.
The preparation is intense, and the players are set for the league,” Coach Achu stated.
Team co-owner, Ugo Udezue, who is the 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 great impact in the league this season,” Udezue said.
The Enugu Side will now look to make a strong statement in their maiden NPBL appearance as they battle for a place among the top teams in the country’s elite basketball league.
