The 2026 NBL is upon us and with this comes a lot of excitement and expectations. Game Week One has some interesting fixtures and in this article, I will be making my predictions.

Namuwongo Blazers vs City Oilers

The repeat of the 2025 NBL Finals was also the opening game of the 2025 season. This has been the most exciting fixture in the recent history and it made sense for it to be the season opener once again.

The Namuwongo Blazers new signing Franck Nyembo averaged 20.5 points and 12.3 rebounds against the City Oilers in the 6 games he played against them. He also scored a season-high 37 points against them in the second round.

My prediction is that he will score more than 20 in this game. Also, I expect this game to be very close, the winning margin being less than 5 points and Namuwongo to have the edge.

JT Lady Jaguars vs Pearl Queens

The 2025 NBL Finalists the JT Lady Jaguars face the newly promoted Pearl Queens. This should be an easy victory for the Lady Jaguars given how strong of a team they are. My prediction is JT Lady Jaguars win by more than 10 points. Also, Pearl Queens will be limited to less than 60 points.

Victoria She Crocs vs Miracle Eaglets

Newly promoted Victoria She Crocs face the Miracle Eaglets in the opening game of Saturday. Most of the Miracle players have experience in the NBL and I believe they should be good enough to win this game.

This is likely to be a very close game but I anticipate it to be low scoring.

KCCA Leopards vs JKL Lady Dolphins

New KCCA Coaches, Tonny Drileba and Ben Komakech will have their first test against the defending champions, the JKL Lady Dolphins. However, there is a dark cloud of uncertainty surrounding the champions. It will be very interesting to see which squad they field that day but I expect this to be an easy win for the KCCA Leopards.

JKL Dolphins vs Sommet

Both of these teams have made a lot of changes to their rosters and we don’t know who and how they are going to play.

However, what we saw from Sommet in the second round last year is something that tells us how good the scouting team from Sommet is. I believe they should win this game.

Victoria Crocs vs Kampala Rockets

Another game that will be very close. The Victoria Crocs are a very motivated team but they face a Kampala Rockets team that finished top 4 in the 2025 season. The Rockets should have an edge but only slightly.

KCCA Panthers vs JT Jaguars

The KCCA Panthers had a very good first round in the 2025 NBL Season. However, they have not strengthened as well as the other teams. In this game, I expect the JT Jaguars to bag the win but it will be a very tough game.

Angels vs UCU Lady Canons

This should be a very easy victory for the UCU Lady Canons. My prediction is that the Lady Canons will score 80+ points while Angels could be limited to less than 50.

Nabisunsa vs KIU Rangers

The quality in the KIU Rangers squad has deteriorated but they still have Sharon Kirabo and Ines Kanyamuneza. However, these two may not be enough to get past Nabisunsa.

Since the Rangers have no solid Point Guard, there is a very big possibility in Ines being the primary ball handler. With this, her shooting may be limited and she will be less of a threat.

Nabisunsa have to find a solution for Sharon and given that she destroyed them in the second round in the 2025 season, they should have some solutions ready.

This game will be very tight but I’m tipping Nabisunsa to come out on top. Mpoza Abigail should be good enough for 20+ points in this game.  

UPDF Lady Tomahawks vs Magic Stormers

The Magic Stormers have added some solid pieces to their roster. This could be a close game in the first 3 quarters but I expect the Stormers to cruise to victory in the fourth quarter. I expect winning by 10+ points.

UPDF Tomahawks vs Rezlife Saints

The newly promoted UPDF Tomahawks face the Rezlife Saints who finished eighth in the 2025 regular season. The Saints maintained most of their squad from the last season and they should be good enough to edge UPDF.

I expect this game to be very close with the winning margin being less than 10 points.

UMU Flames vs UCU Canons

This game will close game week one but it will be very intense. Joshua Duallo is far ahead of any big men for UCU but the problem for him is, the Canons have a plethora of talent in the back court.

Based on experience in the NBL, the Canons should have an edge but Joshua Duallo should register 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in this game.