Nigeria’s former basketball national team captain, Olumide Oyedeji has called on Lagos Legends BC to embark on good recruitment and play top-quality build-up friendly matches ahead of their impending continental assault.
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Sports247 reports that, with Lagos Legends set to carry Nigeria’s flag in the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL), starting on March 27th in Pretoria, South Africa, Oyedeji affirmed that the time has come for them to step up their preparations.
The former star player in USA’s National Basketball Association (NBA) and current president of Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) noted further that ‘The Moktown Flyers’ have to be ready for the long route ahead of them, as it will feature many highly rated teams.
He affirmed, “This is no ordinary tournament; this is BAL. They need quality friendlies. They need experienced heads. They need to leave their skin on the court. Twelve elite clubs, forty-two games and one crown. Lagos Legends are stepping into the lion’s den.
“Double L earned their ticket the hard way, stunning defending champions, Rivers Hoops in the NBBF abridged Premier League final. Against the odds, they rose. Now, they must prove it wasn’t a fluke. This is not just basketball. This is continental supremacy.”
Oyedeji further noted that BAL has grown into a global basketball spectacle, reaching 214 countries last season and drawing over 140,000 fans; hence his verdict that Lagos Legends need a better depth for the mission ahead.
“They must strengthen their squad with experienced players who understand this stage. It won’t be easy. Easy is not on the menu,” reiterated Oyedeji, who is also a FIBA Ambassador and current secretary-general of the World Association of Olympians.
Sports247 gathered further that BAL 2026 will begin at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on March 27th, then move to Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco and climax on May 31st at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
