Maktown Flyers Unveil 5 Signings For 2026 BAL

Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026 Basketball Africa League season, Maktown Flyers, have strengthened their squad with a wave of new signings ahead of their continental debut.

The Makurdi-based club confirmed the additions in a joint Instagram announcement unveiling J.C. Butler Jr., Tyrell Corbin, Ibrahim Doumbia, Ofure Ujadughele and Gracin Bukumanya as part of their recruitment drive.

The new arrivals are expected to bolster the Flyers’ roster as they prepare for the Sahara Conference, scheduled to hold in Rabat from April 24 to May 3.

The Flyers head into the competition on the back of a remarkable rise within Nigerian basketball.

Originally known for their youth development programmes, the club stunned the domestic scene in November 2025 when they defeated Rivers Hoopers 74–72 to clinch the national title.

That triumph came shortly after the team acquired the rights of the Lagos Legends and went on to win the Nigerian Basketball League crown under that identity before rebranding as the Maktown Flyers.

Within weeks, they had transitioned from relative obscurity to continental representatives.

They now become the third Nigerian side to feature in the BAL, following Rivers Hoopers and Kwara Falcons.

Key to their ambitions are established figures within the squad, including Patrick Abah, the 2025 Nigerian Basketball League Most Valuable Player, alongside former G League player Chris Obekpa and Thomas Agbo, both of whom played crucial roles in the title-winning campaign.

On the sidelines, former Nigeria international Abdulrahman Mohammed leads the technical crew as head coach, having taken over from Michael Ikima, who guided the team to domestic glory and remains part of the coaching staff.

Mohammed brings continental experience, being the D’Tigers coach in the last AfroBasket and having previously served as an assistant coach with Rivers Hoopers during the 2024 BAL season.

He is supported by fellow former international Jeff Varem, which further strengthens the Flyers’ technical setup as they prepare for the demands of top-level African competition.

Backed by principal Manasseh Achii, the Flyers have described themselves as a modern African basketball institution with local roots and global ambition, a philosophy reflected in their rapid growth and aggressive recruitment strategy.

With their squad reinforced and preparations intensifying, the Maktown Flyers will be aiming to make a strong impression in Rabat as they carry Nigeria’s hopes into the 2026 BAL season.