Coal City Blazers basketball team opened their 2026 Nigeria Basketball Men’s League campaign on a winning note after defeating league debutants, Edo Beads 74-58 on Sunday afternoon at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Indoor Sports Hall.
Coal City Blazers controlled the game with their pace and tactical discipline, pulling away from the newcomers to secure an impressive opening-day victory.
Speaking after the game, the Blazers’ coach Chidozie Nwoye expressed delight with the result, admitting that winning always brings happiness and confidence to the team.
“It makes me feel good. Whenever you win, you’re happy,” he said, smiling. “At least this one is over for today, and now we push on for tomorrow’s game.”
The coach explained that his side capitalised on Edo Beads’ weaknesses during the contest.
“Basketball is a game of chance. You utilise what your opponent gives you. We noticed what they were doing wrong and took advantage of it, and it really worked for us.”
He added that his team focused on increasing the tempo of the game when scoring opportunities became limited.
“Shots were not coming easily, so the answer was to keep the ball moving with pace, run them down, make them tired, and keep pushing them,” he noted.
Despite the comfortable win, the coach insisted his side would not underestimate future opponents as they continue preparations for their next fixture.
“We are not underrating anyone. We’ll watch their games, sit down, strategise, and plan how to approach tomorrow’s match,” he quipped.
Up next for Coal City Blazers is Athletes for Peace who lost to Marktown Flyers in the opening game of the Benin Centre by 58-65. The game is billed for 2pm at the Samuel Ogbemudia Indoor Sports Hall.