Namuwongo Blazers Dethrone City Oilers to Clinch First-Ever NBL Title

The Namuwongo Blazers have written a new chapter in Ugandan basketball history after stunning the City Oilers 68–55 to win the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) championship series 4–2 at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium on Wednesday night led by head coach Stephen Nyeko.

In a dramatic turnaround that will be remembered for years, the Blazers became the first team in over a decade to wrestle the crown from the Oilers, ending their 10-year dominance of the league. The Oilers had reigned supreme since 2013, but the Blazers’ resilience, grit, and hunger for glory carried them from a 2–0 deficit to four straight wins — a rare feat in NBL playoff history.

A Game of Redemption and Determination

The Blazers started the night with clear intent, opening the first quarter on a 6–0 run that immediately set the tone. However, the Oilers, driven by their championship experience, responded quickly through Mer Maker’s midrange jumper and a downtown three-pointer from Joseph Chuma.

Chad Bowie’s late put-back saw the Oilers edge the first quarter 16–15, but the Blazers’ energy never waned.

The second quarter was a fierce exchange of baskets and defensive stops. City Oilers’ Fayed Baale dropped consecutive three-pointers to open a 9–0 run, but the Blazers rallied back. Joel Banza ignited Namuwongo’s offense before Anthony Chukwubuka’s strong driving layup tied the game at 29-all.

Veteran guard Jimmy Enabu ensured the Nam Blazers stayed in the contest, finishing the half with a layup that leveled the score at 35–35 heading into the break.

Blazers Take Control

After halftime, the Oilers came out strong although Enabu sunk a long-range three and James Okello adding a layup to stretch their lead early in the third quarter. Yet, the Blazers soon flipped the script with quick ball movement, intense rebounding, and disciplined defending.

Arthur Wanyoto’s smooth jumper at the end of the third period capped a dominant stretch for the Blazers, who entered the final quarter with an eight-point advantage at 53–45.

With their home crowd roaring, Namuwongo’s composure shone through in the final minutes. They tightened up defensively and executed their offensive plays to perfection, closing out the game with a commanding 13-point victory to seal their first-ever championship.

Top Performers

James Okello led the charge for the Blazers with 16 points, showing both leadership and poise in critical moments. Captain Jimmy Enabu added 12 points, while Peter Obleng contributed 11 points to the team’s balanced scoring effort.

For the City Oilers, Mer Maker and Fayed Baale provided flashes of brilliance, but the team ultimately struggled to find rhythm against a hungry Blazers defense.

End of an Era, Start of a Legacy

For a decade, the City Oilers have been the face of Ugandan basketball dominance, winning ten consecutive NBL titles and establishing a dynasty. But on this historic night, the Namuwongo Blazers — a team once seen as challengers — became champions, proving that perseverance and teamwork can overturn even the strongest of dynasties.

The Lugogo Indoor Stadium erupted as the final buzzer sounded, marking not just a victory for Namuwongo, but for Ugandan basketball as a whole — a new dawn of competition, hope, and parity.

As confetti filled the air and players lifted the championship trophy, Coach Mande Juruni’s side (if applicable) — now the defending champions — will look to build on this momentum and cement their place among the league’s elite. Meanwhile, the Oilers, though dethroned, are expected to regroup and return stronger in the next campaign.

For the fans, the 2025 NBL Finals delivered everything — drama, passion, and history — as the Namuwongo Blazers finally etched their name among Uganda’s basketball greats.

Final Score: Namuwongo Blazers 68–55 City Oilers

Series Result: Namuwongo Blazers win 4–2