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Former NBA star Olumide Oyedeji has challenged Nigeria’s representatives, Lagos Legends, to step up preparations ahead of the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL), warning that the continental tournament will demand far more than domestic success.
With the competition set to tip off on March 27 in Pretoria, Oyedeji described the BAL as a different level of basketball, urging the Nigerian champions—also known as Moktown Flyers—to intensify their build-up.
“This is no ordinary tournament, this is BAL,” Oyedeji said, stressing that the team must embrace tougher preparation if they hope to compete against Africa’s elite clubs.
The former D’Tigers captain advised Lagos Legends to engage in quality friendly matches and bolster their roster with experienced players capable of handling the pressure of continental competition.
“They need quality friendlies. They need experienced heads. They need to leave their skin on the court,” he warned.
Despite the pause in Nigeria’s domestic league, the BAL season will run across three host cities, starting in Pretoria before moving to Rabat and culminating in Kigali on May 31. The expanded tournament will feature 12 clubs battling across 42 games for the continental crown.
Lagos Legends secured their ticket in dramatic fashion, upsetting defending champions Rivers Hoops in the NBBF abridged Premier League final, a result Oyedeji said proved their potential but also raised expectations.
“They rose against the odds, but now they must show it wasn’t a fluke,” he noted.
The Nigerian side will face stiff opposition from traditional powerhouses including Egypt’s Al Ahly SC, Angola’s Petro de Luanda, Rwanda’s APR BBC, Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar, among others.
Oyedeji, who also serves as President of the Nigeria Olympians Association and a FIBA ambassador, acknowledged Lagos Legends’ strong coaching structure and committed management but insisted reinforcement remains crucial.
“They must strengthen the squad with experienced players who understand this stage. It won’t be easy,” he added.
The BAL has grown into a major global spectacle, reaching audiences in over 200 countries and attracting large in-arena attendance, further raising the stakes for participating teams.
As the tournament journey spans venues from Pretoria’s SunBet Arena to Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex and Kigali’s BK Arena, Oyedeji’s message remains clear: Lagos Legends must brace for a demanding campaign if they hope to carve their name into BAL history.xx
