AFCON 2025
Nigeria Basketball League champions Maktown Flyers made history at the 2026 Basketball Africa League on Saturday evening.
Maktown Flyers became the first Nigerian team to win their debut game at the competition defeating JCA Kings of Cote D’Ivoire.
Jawad Adekoya had a standout performance as the Nigerian champions sealed a 76-68 victory over the Ivorian side.
Adekoya led in points – 20- the most points by a player in a debut game for a Nigerian team surpassing Taren Williams (2021 with Rivers Hoopers) and his own with Kwara Falcons – 15.
The Nigerian side was ruthless in offence in the opening quarter scoring seven three-pointers from 12 attempts as they wrapped up a 30-17 lead.
JCA Kings came back strong in the second quarter outscoring Maktown Flyers as the second quarter ended 21-16.
The third quarter witnessed the same scoreline but in favour of the Nigerian side with a 100% record from the two-point line.
JCA Kings wrapped up the fourth quarter with a 14-9 scoreline but the Nigerian side the damage already as they began their BAL campaign on a historic note.
Jonathan Cisse and Robinson Opong combined for 29 points while Jawad Adekoya and Ogbodeje Abah had 36 points in the victory.
