Edited by Paul Elegbeleye
Table of Contents
In the heart of Benue State a basketball revolution unfolded.
Suddenly, in the Nigerian Basketball game, the name Maktown Flyers began to resound everywhere.
Who are these people? What is different about them? When did they rise to stardom? And again, who manages these players?
Maktown Flyers was founded in 2023 by Akerannan Manesseh Achil. According to the Basketball Africa League, Achil, an entrepreneur who grew up in Makurdi, is the team’s principal.
In their debut season, these champions won the Nigerian National League. Flyers defeated the Hoppers 74-72, a team that had been in existence before them.
A feat many predecessors are yet to achieve. These players came with fire, tactility, professionalism and strength.
Currently, these stars are representing Nigeria in the Basketball African League (BAL). How did they get this far in such a short time?
2025 Takeover
The Flyers did not begin as a professional powerhouse. Interestingly, they had begun as a youth club that was passionate about providing a structured setting for the latent potentials in the middle belts.
There were many talents, but no platform for them to shine. This group identified this structure gap and began to fill it.
However, by 2025, there was a sharp turn of events when they defeated Hoppers. Following administrative reasons, the team had to play under the name Lagos Legends.
After they acquired the Lagos Legends title in August 2025, they secured a spot in the Nigerian Basketball League.
Shortly after their victory, they officially adopted their current name – Maktown Flyers.
Their victory was not just a trophy, it was a ticket to BAL, 2026 season. It promoted them from local competitors to international contenders.
That victory gave them a spot in the global basketball game. This was achieved in under three years.
The squad also set another record. The Flyers became the first team from Benue State to represent Nigeria in a continental competition.
According to Punch Sports Extra, “they had now become the third Nigerian side to feature in the BAL, following Rivers Hoopers and Kwara Falcons.”
BAL reported that the Maktown Flyers describe themselves as “a modern African basketball institution that is rooted locally, structured professionally and connected globally.” You can’t disagree with them.
So far, they have been nothing short of their identity. A few years ago, the name Maktown Flyers was just a name known only to Markurdi locals.
However, today, the script has changed. Our players have transformed from obscurity to recognition.
You cannot mention Nigerian Basketball without talking about this team. It’s a good example of rising into stardom from a humble beginning.
Basketball Africa League Tournament
The JCA Defeat
On 25th April, the Flyers secured a 76-68 victory over JCA Kings of Côte d’Ivoire in Rabat, Morocco.
This was their first win in continental competition. Jawad Adekoya scored 20 points and earned the MVP title in that league.
Key Players in the Team
The squad is coached by Abdulrahman Mohammed. He took over from the former coach Michael Ikima. Key figures within the squad are:
Abah Patrick
Punch Sports Extra described him as the 2025 Nigerian Basketball League Most Valuable Player (MVP).
During the Nigerian Premier Basketball League, he scored an average of 14 points with 5.7 rebounds.
Peter Olisemeka
Olisemeka played a critical role in the squad’s continental recognition.
Statistically, Peter is among the most impactful defensive catalysts in the team. He is ranked joint third in steals.
In the victory the team secured over JCA, he delivered 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Thomas Agbo
Fondly called the team’s Golden Boy, Thomas has been a strong force in the club’s victory. He contributed two rebounds and assists.
Basketball Africa League reported that “Thomas Agbo also played an important role in the team’s title run and has become a vital member of the team.”
At the annual Bauchi “Be Happy” tournament in 2024, he was named the best defensive player.
Summary
The Maktown Flyers experienced a phenomenal rise in 2025. However, it has not always been victories all along.
Being a debut continental squad, they have also suffered defeat by older teams like FUS Rabat of Morocco and Al Ahly of Egypt. In the group game, they still have two outstanding games.
Currently, they are holding a 1-2 record. In their journey so far. One thing is outstanding, the speed of their transformation.
Rising from local representatives, to continental players. This is just the beginning.
Also Read: Can Nigeria’s Maktown Flyers Win the Basketball Africa League 2026?
