Rivers Hoopers, the reigning Nigerian basketball champions, have set their sights on conquering the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after securing a third-place finish in the 2024 edition, the highest ever achieved by a Nigerian team. Their recent victory in the 2024 NBBF Final 8, where they defeated Hoops and Read 71-54, not only extended their unbeaten domestic streak to an impressive 25 games but also guaranteed their qualification for the 2025 BAL tournament. Head coach Ogoh Odaudu has expressed the team’s unwavering ambition to surpass their previous achievement by reaching the finals and ultimately lifting the coveted BAL trophy. This aspiration stems from a direct conversation with BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall, who encouraged the team to capitalize on their recent success and build a legacy of consistent high performance.
Odaudu emphasizes the importance of continuity as a key factor in their BAL strategy. Unlike many teams that undergo significant roster changes between seasons, Rivers Hoopers aims to retain the core group of players who contributed to their 2024 success. This includes key players like Kelvin Amayo, the NBBF Finals MVP, and Peter Olisemeka. While the future participation of Will Perry, currently playing in Dubai, and Devine Eke, now in the G-League, is less certain due to their contractual obligations, Odaudu expressed optimism about their potential return, highlighting their significant contributions to the team’s past success. The coach believes that maintaining a consistent roster will be crucial for building chemistry and maintaining the momentum gained from their recent achievements.
The team’s determination to make a lasting impact on the continental stage is fueled by their previous experiences in the BAL. In their inaugural appearance in 2020, Rivers Hoopers, despite being considered among the favorites, were eliminated in the group phase. This setback has served as a motivating factor, driving the team to shed the label of mere participants and establish themselves as a genuine force to be reckoned with. They aim to prove that their 2024 third-place finish was not an anomaly but rather a sign of their growing prowess and a stepping stone towards greater achievements.
Odaudu acknowledges that a few crucial mistakes hindered their progress in the 2024 BAL, preventing them from reaching the finals. Learning from these past errors and refining their game plan will be essential for their future success. They aim to return to the BAL with a renewed focus and a determination to leave an indelible mark on the competition. Their objective is to transform from a team that merely participates to one that consistently contends for the championship, cementing their position as a dominant force in African basketball.
The 2025 BAL tournament represents a critical opportunity for Rivers Hoopers to demonstrate their growth and solidify their place among the continent’s elite basketball clubs. Their ambition extends beyond simply improving upon their previous third-place finish; they aspire to reach the finals and ultimately claim the championship title. This goal is underpinned by a commitment to retaining their core players, fostering continuity, and learning from past mistakes.
The team’s journey towards BAL glory exemplifies the growth and ambition of Nigerian basketball. Their pursuit of continental dominance reflects not only their own aspirations but also the rising profile of Nigerian basketball on the international stage. Their commitment to building a sustainable program and fostering a winning culture positions them as a leading force in African basketball and a beacon of hope for future generations of Nigerian players. The 2025 BAL will serve as a proving ground for their ambitions and a testament to their dedication to achieving continental basketball supremacy.
