Nigerian basketball coach Ogoh Odaudu has issued a strong warning to Nigeria’s representatives in this season’s Basketball Africa League, urging Maktown Flyers to ensure their recruitment process is handled carefully ahead of the tournament.
Odaudu, who previously guided Rivers Hoopers to the prestigious continental competition on two occasions, said assembling the right roster will be crucial if the team hopes to compete successfully against Africa’s best sides.
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According to the experienced coach, the BAL has grown significantly in quality over the years, meaning teams can no longer rely solely on local talent without strengthening their squads strategically.
“Recruitment must be done meticulously,” Odaudu warned.
He explained that the competition features some of the strongest basketball teams on the continent, many of which bring in experienced international players to strengthen their squads.
Because of this, Odaudu believes Nigerian representatives must be equally deliberate when selecting players to avoid being outmatched.
“They will be coming up against very quality teams across Africa,” he said.
The coach emphasized that a well-balanced squad, combining experienced players with talented young prospects, will give Maktown Flyers a better chance of competing effectively.
Beyond recruitment, Odaudu also advised the team to engage in high-level friendly matches before the tournament begins.
He noted that strong preparation games will help the players build chemistry and sharpen their competitive edge ahead of the intense BAL fixtures.
“They should play top friendly matches so they can be in competitive shape,” he added.
Odaudu’s comments reflect the growing expectations surrounding Nigerian clubs in the Basketball Africa League, as fans hope to see another strong showing from the country’s representatives.
With preparations underway for the new BAL season, the former Rivers Hoopers coach believes careful planning and recruitment will ultimately determine how far Maktown Flyers can go in the competition.
