By Unukere Oboh
The 2019 NBBF Men’s Premier League season dunks off from October 13 to November 30.
The men’s league will see teams divided into the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences for a round robin league format.
First phase of the Atlantic Conference will hold in Akure while Savannah teams will converge on the Indoor Sports Hall of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between October 12 and 22.
The second phase will take place from November 2 to 12 with all points scored in the first phase carried over.
The Savannah Conference train will move to Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja while Atlantic Conference Teams will battle for supremacy at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Ilorin Township stadium.
Top 4 teams in each conference will qualify for the National Final 8 from November 24 to 30.
Oluyole Warriors (Ibadan), Customs (Lagos), Kwara Falcons (Ilorin), Hoops and Read (Lagos), Delta Force (Asaba), Police Baton (Lagos) and Raptors (Lagos) are some of the teams that will be competing for honors in the Atlantic Conference.
Others include Dodan Warriors (Lagos), Islanders (Lagos) who hope to rekindle their rivalry alongside newly promoted Invaders (Ekiti), Coal City (Enugu), and Akure Raiders (Akure).
In the Savannah Conference, Kano Pillars (Kano), Bauchi Nets (Bauchi), Gombe Bulls (Gombe), Kada Stars (Kaduna), Defender, (Abuja), Niger Potters (Minna), Mark Mentors (Abuja), Plateau Peaks (Jos), Nigeria Army (Zaria) and Benue Braves (Makurdi) are the 10 teams which make up the conference.
According to NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida, exciting times await teams, players, fans as well as keen observers of the league with the federation in discussion with prospective sponsors.
“We are trying to create a robust system that will translate to a win-win situation for all.
“We are currently at an advanced stage of discussion with interested parties who are thinking of investing in the men’s league with our ultimate goal of getting the various leagues back on TV.”
The League champion will qualify to represent Nigeria in the inaugural Basketball Africa League to be organized by NBA in conjunction with FIBA Africa.
