Team Iman clinched victory over Team Ekon in a nail-biting finish at the Friday Night Lights Season IX (FNL9) finals on Friday at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds. The final score of 33-31 in favour of Team Iman left the crowd on the edge of their seats, emphasizing FNL’s reputation as Uganda’s premier sports-meets-showbiz event.
FNL has carved a niche for itself over the last decade, offering a dynamic fusion of music, food, and beverages, with basketball serving as the main attraction. Organizers promote an easygoing approach on the court, encouraging teams to field a mix of league players, fans, and celebrities.
Adding to the spectacle, a fan scored the decisive buzzer-beater for Team Iman, leaving Captain Ritah Imanishiwe beaming with pride. “Winning it all left us super proud, especially seeing that the winning basket came from a fan,” she expressed.
While previous stars Crysto Panda and BigTril took the spotlight in the second leg on December 22, 2023, this edition saw Uganda’s legendary artiste, Jose Chameleone, stealing the show and garnering the loudest cheers from fans. Despite his reluctance to hit the court, Chameleone opted for a VIP seat alongside Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) boss Moses Muhangi and Grace Namutebi, Brand Manager of Crown Beverages.
Mr. Mosh, known as Ssendi Mosh Afrikan and Lord Councilor representing Makindye East III residents in the KCCA Council, ignited the crowd with a dancehall freestyle and a sample of the Ngoni classic ‘Digi’ as he led Team Comfort onto the court.
Notable entertainers like Nutty Neithen, part of Team Afande, and Nina Roz added to the star-studded attendance.
The headline sponsor, Castle Lite beer, under its new tagline “Unlock, Refresh, and Enjoy,” offered heavily discounted prices, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Joel Galla, Brand Manager of Castle Lite, expressed satisfaction, stating that FNL aligned perfectly with the brand’s mission of unlocking new frontiers of entertainment.
NRG Radio, the vibes partner, infused energy into the event with star presenters and DJs, including the Trojans dance crew, DJ Beats, host Sheila Salta, Sean Preezy, and DJ Vanss.
Alex Dangote, NRG’s Head of Marketing, promised to bring even more energy in the next FNL season.
Qi Sports Management, along with partners at ATS, dazzled with top-notch mood lighting, grand audiovisual (AV) displays, and pyrotechnics.
Halftime challenges provided fans with opportunities to win prizes from sponsors, including t-shirts, hats, cash, and headphones. National Council of Sports (NCS) Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Bernard Ogwel joined in to hand out prizes to the winners.
FNL Team Leader Tom Ocamringa thanked sponsors (Castle Lite, NRG Radio, Mountain Dew, and Safe Boda), fans, and participating captains and teams for their continued support. Due to the late finish, the awards ceremony was postponed, and details for Season X in 2024 will be announced soon.
The Games: All eight teams played their final group games before the finals. Team Wazee secured its first win, defeating Team Afande with former Oilers big, Francis Azolibe, showcasing a dominating performance. Both Team Iman and Team Ekon registered perfect records in Pool B and Pool A, respectively, propelling them to the finals as group winners.
The Teams
1. Team Iman – Ritah Imanishiwe
2. Team Ekon – Brenda Ekone
3. Team Melo – Saidi “Carmelo” Amisi
4. Team Afande – Henry Okoth
5. Team Comfort – Leticia Comfort Awor
6. Team Drileba – Tony Drileba
7. Team Soro – Godfrey Soro
8. Team Wazee – Assorted ex-players, fans