The Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria commenced their Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 5 journey with an emphatic 81-60 triumph over Mali’s Stade Malien in the Kalahari Conference opener held in Rabat, Morocco, on April 5, 2025.
This match also marked the inaugural BAL game hosted in Rabat, adding a historic touch to the occasion.
Canadian-Nigerian guard Kelvin Amayo led the charge for the Hoopers, delivering a standout performance with 19 points, including several electrifying dunks that energized the crowd.
South Sudanese forward Madut Akec complemented the effort with a double-double, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Additional contributions came from Raphael Putney, who tallied 14 points, and Maxi Shamba, who added 11 points. Peter Olisemeka also made his presence felt with 9 points and 12 rebounds.
Stade Malien, a club with a rich history dating back to 1960, struggled to match the pace and intensity set by the Hoopers. The Nigerian team capitalized on fast breaks and turnovers, effectively controlling the game’s tempo and securing a decisive victory.
This win sets a positive tone for the Rivers Hoopers as they aim to build upon their third-place finish in the 2024 BAL season. Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu emphasized the team’s ambition to surpass last year’s performance, stating, “Every tournament is just like an examination; you want to do better than the previous year. Our goal right now is to qualify from Morocco to the finals in South Africa.”
The Hoopers’ next challenge in the Kalahari Conference will be against Egypt’s Al Ittihad, as they continue their quest for BAL supremacy.
