MUSCAT, NOV 6
The 2025–26 basketball season kicked off with a festive opening night that saw Seeb Club crowned champions of the Credit Oman Cup for Men after a sweeping 70–25 victory over Nizwa Club. Meanwhile, Masirah Club claimed the girls’ title following their 67–51 win against Salalah.
The ceremony took place at the secondary hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, under the auspices of Abdullah bin Mohammed Bamakhalef, Secretary-General of the Oman Olympic Committee, and in the presence of Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Chairman of the Oman Basketball Association (OBA), Haitham bin Abdullah al Yaqoubi, Acting CEO of Credit Oman, along with several club chairmen and basketball officials.
Champions Seeb dominated the final against Nizwa.
The first quarter started with fast, well-organised attacks by Seeb, who opened a 7-point lead through Zakariya al Wahaibi, Rashid al Zuhaibi, and a three-pointer by Marwan al Hadeedi. Nizwa’s Basel al Subhi responded with two points under the rim, but Seeb’s Mazen al Hadeedi added another basket to extend the lead to 9-2. Seeb continued to impose their style both offensively and defensively, ending the first quarter ahead 19–8.
In the second quarter, Seeb intensified their pressure and doubled the score with shots from Abdulrahman al Shuaibi, Ayman al Mahrami, Hassan al Faraji, and Marwan al Hadeedi. Nizwa’s Saeed Ghassan replied with two points, but Seeb’s Hassan al Faraji and Rashid al Zuhaibi added four more points to widen the gap to 29–10. Seeb maintained complete control to conclude the first half leading 36–13.
The third quarter followed the same storyline, with Seeb continuing to dominate and extend the lead to 53–18, taking advantage of Nizwa’s defensive struggles. The quarter ended with Seeb firmly ahead 57–21.
In the fourth quarter, Seeb further widened the score thanks to the high concentration and efficiency of their players, sealing a convincing 70–25 victory.
Following the match, the chief guest and the dignitaries honoured the winners. Masirah Girls’ team was the first to be crowned champions of the Credit Oman Cup and to receive gold medals, with Salalah players receiving silver medals. Seeb men’s team also received the Cup and gold medals, while Nizwa players were awarded silver.
Abdullah Bamakhalef praised the quality of the final, noting that it reflected the growing level of basketball in Oman. He emphasised that such championships enhance competition and expand the sport’s player base. He added that Credit Oman’s sponsorship is a model for social responsibility and called on more private-sector companies to support national sports.
Meanwhile, OBA Chairman Eng Khalfan al Naabi congratulated Seeb and Masirah on their wins, stressing that the tournament marks the official launch of the new season. He announced that the national league will begin this Friday, followed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Shield Championship in January.
He noted that these competitions aim to raise the technical level and support the national teams, pointing out that the men’s and women’s youth national teams are preparing for upcoming Gulf and Arab competitions at the end of November. He also thanked Credit Oman for its continued support of basketball.
For his part, Haitham al Yaqoubi, expressed Credit Oman's pride in sponsoring the tournament. He said the final was strong and showcased a high level of performance by both teams, reflecting the sport’s development. He added that the company’s support stems from its belief in the importance of sports in building an ambitious generation, affirming its commitment to support initiatives that develop Omani sports and empower youth.
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