Maktown Flyers Set for Friendly Test Against Defenders Ahead of BAL Sahara Conference

As preparations intensify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara Conference in Rabat, Nigeria’s Maktown Flyers will today step up their build-up with a friendly game against Defenders. The exhibition clash forms part of the team’s final tune-up ahead of their continental assignment.

The match will be played today 18th April 2026, 4pm at MO Arena, Abuja.

The BAL Sahara Conference is scheduled to hold from April 24 to May 3, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. The competition will feature six elite clubs battling over 15 games for a place in the BAL Playoffs and Finals in Kigali, Rwanda, set for May 22 to 31.

Maktown Flyers will represent Nigeria in what is widely described as a “group of death,” alongside host club FUS Rabat (Morocco), Al Ahly (Egypt), Club Africain (Tunisia), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal), and JCA Kings (Côte d’Ivoire). Only the top four teams from the Sahara Conference will advance to the next stage.

The friendly against Defenders is expected to give the Flyers technical sharpness and tactical balance as they fine-tune their squad chemistry before heading into one of the most competitive phases of the BAL season.

With anticipation building across the continent, the BAL—jointly organized by FIBA and NBA Africa—continues to strengthen its reputation as Africa’s premier basketball competition, showcasing top clubs and rising talent across the continent.