Namuwongo Blazers Retain NBL Crown After Dramatic Game Seven Win

Namuwongo Blazers have successfully defended their National Basketball League title after defeating City Oilers 81-74 in overtime in a thrilling Game Seven at Hoima City Stadium. The Blazers prevailed 4-3 in the fiercely contested championship series, overcoming a strong challenge from the 10-time champions to lift the trophy for a second consecutive year.

The decisive encounter carried the intensity expected of a winner-takes-all final, with both sides understanding the importance of every possession. City Oilers made the stronger start and managed to keep Namuwongo on the back foot during the opening exchanges. The Oilers finished the first quarter with a narrow 16-12 advantage, giving themselves an early platform from which to challenge for the championship.

Namuwongo gradually found their rhythm as the game progressed, responding to the Oilers’ early pressure with greater defensive intensity and improved execution. The Blazers competed aggressively for rebounds and second-chance opportunities, while also working to limit the Oilers’ scoring options. The physical nature of the contest ensured that neither side could establish a comfortable cushion as the battle intensified.

The pressure continued to rise as the two teams exchanged baskets and defensive stops. Namuwongo remained persistent despite having to chase the game, while City Oilers relied on their experience and individual quality to maintain their challenge. With the championship hanging in the balance, every turnover, rebound and scoring opportunity carried greater significance.

The final moments of regulation produced a dramatic twist as City Oilers fought to keep their title hopes alive. Landry Ndikumana stepped up under pressure and converted two free throws to bring the scores level at 66-66. His composure from the line sent the game into overtime, giving both teams five additional minutes to determine the 2026 champions.

Namuwongo, however, seized control once the game entered the extra period. The Blazers produced their most decisive spell of the night, outscoring City Oilers 15-8 in overtime. Their defensive discipline and ability to convert important scoring opportunities allowed them to create the separation they had been unable to establish during regulation.

Nyembo Fataki was the standout performer for the champions, delivering a magnificent 35-point display. He shot 13-for-21 from the field and consistently provided Namuwongo with vital points throughout the contest. His performance earned loud MVP chants from the crowd as he played a central role in guiding the Blazers through one of the most important games of their season.

Fataki was supported by Jimmy Enabu and Anthony Chuckwurah, who contributed 12 points apiece. Their scoring efforts provided Namuwongo with valuable support while the team also dominated the battle under the basket. The Blazers finished with 55 rebounds compared to the Oilers’ 48, although their shooting from beyond the arc was less effective, with Namuwongo converting only three of their 15 attempts.

City Oilers received an outstanding individual contribution from Patrick Rembert, who led all scorers with 27 points. Fayed Bbaale added 14 points, while Ndikumana finished with 10, including the crucial free throws that forced overtime. Despite those efforts, the Oilers were unable to produce enough during the extra period to prevent the Blazers from completing their title defence.

The Oilers’ challenge was also affected by foul trouble, with Bbaale and Germaine Roebuck both fouling out before the contest was decided. Rembert continued to battle until the final whistle, but his effort could not prevent Namuwongo from celebrating another championship. The result means City Oilers, who previously dominated Ugandan basketball with 10 consecutive league titles, have now been beaten by the Blazers in the championship race for the second year running.

City Oilers had strengthened their roster ahead of the playoffs with the additions of Rembert, Roebuck and Jonathan Komagum, hoping the reinforcements would help them reclaim the championship. However, the investment could not produce the desired outcome as Namuwongo once again proved too strong when the title was on the line. The Blazers’ victory also came amid controversy surrounding their earlier petition over City Oilers’ use of more than four foreign-based players, a matter that was subsequently forwarded to the National Council of Sports.

For Namuwongo Blazers, the 81-74 victory represents another significant milestone in the club’s rise to the top of Ugandan basketball. Their back-to-back championships not only confirm their status as the reigning domestic champions but also give them another opportunity to represent Uganda in the Basketball Africa League. After surviving a tense seven-game series and producing a decisive overtime performance when it mattered most, the Blazers can celebrate another hard-earned National Basketball League crown.