NBL 2026: Lukoji steers wheel as City Oilers lay down early marker

Joel Lukoji ran the show as City Oilers laid down an early marker in the 2026 National Basketball League, beating Namuwongo Blazers 74–65 in Friday night’s season opener at Lugogo Indoor Arena. Still hurting from last season’s title loss, the record champions looked sharp and focused. Their new faces settled quickly, and from the opening tip the Oilers played with purpose, intent on reclaiming their crown. Debutant Joel Kayira got things going with a confident jumper, but it was the backcourt pairing of Lukoji and Fayed Baale that controlled the game. Lukoji set the tempo with poise, Baale brought the energy, and the Oilers’ smooth ball movement earned them a slim 10–8 first-quarter lead. Namuwongo responded in the second quarter through Michael Makiadi, whose back-to-back three pointers cut the deficit to two. Blair Wadaya’s driving lay-up lifted the crowd, but the Oilers stayed composed and went into halftime narrowly ahead at 35–32. The game tilted decisively after the break. Baale and Landry Ndikumana (198-F-1995) drained early three-pointers as the Oilers surged clear, opening a double digit lead within minutes. With Lukoji pulling the strings, City Oilers dominated the third quarter, capped by an Isaac Athuai) finish that made it 57–41. City Oilers pushed further at the start of the final quarter, scoring six unanswered points to stretch the lead to 18 and effectively end the contest. Late three pointers from Peter Obleng (190-G-2003) and Henry Ssebagala) reduced the margin, but the comeback came too late to matter. Baale led all scorers with 20 points, Ndikumana added 17, while Lukoji chipped in 12 in a performance defined by control and leadership. For the Blazers, Obleng scored 11 and Moses Mugisha (C/F-1984) 10 in a losing effort.
Courtesy of: nnalubaalesports.com