Following an sluggish beginning where the Nigerian champions lagged behind by seven points at the close of the first quarter (16-23), the Hooppers gained momentum and did not look back from then on.

Rivers Hoopers delivered a strong performance in their inaugural match of BAL Season 5, overpowering Stade Malien from Mali with an impressive scoreline of 81-60 during the Kalahari Conference start-off event hosted in Rabat, Morocco.

Following a sluggish beginning where the Nigerian champions trailed by seven points at the end of the first quarter (16-23), the Hooppers gained momentum and never relinquished control.

Under the leadership of Kelvin Amayo, who contributed 19 points, the squad reversed their fortunes prior to halftime, securing a 41-35 advantage at the intermission.

In the third quarter, the KingsMen established a strong 62-47 advantage, and they sealed the victory in the final period by holding Stade Malien to just 13 points while scoring 19 of their own.

The South Sudanese player Madut Akec shone in his first game, ending up with a double-double comprising 16 points and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Raphaël Putney scored 14 points, and Maxi Shamba chipped in with 11 points.

Peter Olisemeka led the defense with 12 rebounds and added nine points, aiding the Hoopers in dominating their Malian rivals.

This victory represents yet another impressive beginning for the Rivers Hoopers, as they previously triumphed in their first match of last year’s competition. They ultimately secured third place overall—a feat that stands as the finest performance by a Nigerian team in BAL history.

Preparation and recruitment

Before the match, the team had spent two weeks in a closed training camp in preparation for the season. Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu, who was named BAL Season 4 Coach of the Year, emphasised that the team's primary goal is to qualify for the BAL playoffs in South Africa.

Last year, we secured the third position, yet we aren’t focusing too much on what lies ahead. Our primary objective is to advance from Morocco to the final stages in South Africa," stated Odaudu. "Each championship is akin to an examination—we aim for improvement over previous attempts. However, we realize it will be more challenging this time around. As our reputation has grown, we can expect fiercer opposition.

Even though important contributors from the previous season such as Will Perry, Devine Eke, and John Wilkins are missing, the Hoopers have brought in fresh talents like Maxi Shamba (from Congo DR), Madut Akec (originating from South Sudan), and Raphaël Putney (from the USA).

The team likewise kept key members Kelvin Amayo and Peter Olisemeka, along with emerging talent David Ugonna.

Coach Odaudu continues to show faith in his squad. He stated, "This is a new team, yet every member has the potential. I do not highlight individual players—we triumph together as a unit."

Now that they have secured their initial victory and with five additional matches remaining in the conference, Rivers Hoopers are beginning their journey robustly as they chase after BAL glory.

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