The Niagara River Lions made their second roster announcement Thursday ahead of their 2026 season opener in Ottawa.
Niagara resigned veteran forward Nathan Cayo.
The 6-foot-7 forward and Montreal native is currently playing with the ADA Blois Basket in France’s LNB Pro B, where he has averaged 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during the 2025–2026 season.
“We are very excited to welcome Nathan and his family back to Niagara for year 3!”, said River Lions Head Coach and General Manager, Kimbal Mackenzie.
“Cayo has played a pivotal role in our back to back championship runs, and is highly skilled, physical and smart. One underrated trait of Nathan’s that I got to see firsthand as his teammate is how competitive he is. He is primed for a big summer!”
Cayo returns to Niagara after contributing to the River Lions’ championship successes over the past two seasons (2024, 2025) where he averaged 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
“My family and I feel blessed to run it back for a third season!” said Cayo. “An opportunity to be part of history doesn’t come by everyday; and to try and do so in an environment that feels like home made it a no brainer. Go River Lions.”
The Cayo signing comes after the club announced the return of big man Elijah Lufile.
A key member of Niagara’s rotation since 2024, the 6-foot-7 Lufile brings strength, energy and rebounding acumen back to the River Lions.
Lufile last played for the Nadim Souaid Academy in Lebanon’s Division A averaging 31.8 minutes, 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in nine games.
“We are thrilled to have Elijah returning for 2026. Above all else, he is a winner, through and through. Coming off of 3 championships in a row, Elijah continues to develop his game and improve,” Mackenzie said.
“Aside from his obvious and impressive rebounding prowess, Elijah provides us with interior scoring, excellent defense, and mobility from the 5 spot which is rare. Elijah has become a staple in our culture over the last few seasons. He brings a charisma, attitude and sense of humor that we highly value!”
Lufile was quick to point out the support of the River Lions’ rabid fans.
“I consider myself extremely blessed to be back in CEBL for my fourth year and to run-it back with Niagara. My previous years with the team have been really fun with the guys and the amazing supporting fans” said Lufile, “This year I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more new fans, more seats filled, and another ring added to the collection”.
And while the River Lions open the 2026 campaign with three straight road contests, their home opener is set for Friday May 29 against the Vancouver Bandits.
For ticket information, and more on the team, visit riverlions.ca
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
