As the Basketball Africa League (BAL) tips off its fifth season, Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers are heading to Rabat, Morocco, with renewed confidence and a clear mission—go one better than last year’s historic third-place finish. After a remarkable 2024 campaign, the “KingsMen” are back, stronger and hungrier.
From Kigali Glory to Moroccan Ambition
Last season, the Port Harcourt-based side shocked many when they clinched third place at the BAL 2024 edition in Kigali. Their 80-57 thrashing of Cape Town Tigers in the bronze medal game was more than just a win—it was a statement that Nigerian basketball is back on the continental map.
Their journey to that podium finish was nothing short of impressive. In the Sahara Conference, Rivers Hoopers outclassed African heavyweights like AS Douanes, APR, and US Monastir—teams that have previously reached BAL finals. They topped the group with four wins in six games and knocked out US Monastir again in the quarterfinals before narrowly losing to eventual runners-up Al Ahly Ly in a thrilling overtime semifinal.
Now, with that experience under their belt, the team is back for Season 5—retooled, refocused, and ready to aim even higher.
Grouped in the Tough Kalahari Conference
For BAL 5, Rivers Hoopers find themselves in the competitive Kalahari Conference, where they will battle hosts FUS de Rabat (Morocco), Stade Malien (Mali), and Al Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt). The action begins on Friday, April 5, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Here’s their group phase schedule:
- April 5: vs Stade Malien
- April 6: vs FUS de Rabat
- April 8: vs Al Ittihad Alexandria
- April 10: Return leg vs FUS de Rabat
The group games follow a home-and-away format, and the top three teams will advance to the playoffs.
Reinforcements Arrive
To strengthen their roster and boost their title chances, the Hoopers have added six new faces—including South Sudanese forward Madut Akec, who previously starred for AS Douanes. He’s joined by talented imports Maxi Shamba, Kelvin Amayo, Raphiael Putney, Peter Olisemeka, and David Ugonna (from the BAL Elevate program).
Akec, speaking ahead of the opener, said:
“It’s a good opportunity for me to win the BAL with Rivers Hoopers. I had a great game against them while playing for Douanes, but now I want to make my time here count.”
Politics at Home, but Focus Remains Sharp
Despite the current political turbulence and State of Emergency in Rivers State, team officials have assured fans that preparations for the tournament remain unaffected. According to Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd), FIBA Africa Zone 3 President and NBBF board member, the team had secured approvals and logistics well ahead of time.
Adding to the morale boost, the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, led by Permanent Secretary Kevin Nweke, hosted the team to a send-off luncheon, encouraging them to aim for the final.
“Success won’t be easy, but we expect you to go one step higher this time,” Nweke charged the team.
Legacy and Expectations
This is Rivers Hoopers’ third BAL appearance (after 2021 and 2024), and the stakes are higher than ever. Their 2024 performance, powered by standout players like Kelvin Amayo, Devine Eke, and Will Perry, who all earned All-BAL honors, raised the bar. Now, the challenge is to maintain and surpass that momentum.
With the BAL growing in prestige and competition, and now expanding its reach with Morocco hosting the Kalahari Conference for the first time, all eyes will be on Rabat from April 5 to 13.
A Nation Watches
As Nigeria’s sole representative in the prestigious BAL, Rivers Hoopers carry the hopes of a basketball-loving nation. With a revamped squad, tactical continuity under coach Ogoh Odaudu, and solid state backing, they look ready to turn potential into performance once again.
The mission to Morocco has begun—and the KingsMen are not just there to compete. They’re there to conquer.
