Despite a strong start to their 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign, Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu is urging calm and focus ahead of the team�s next crucial matchup against Al Ittihad of Egypt. The game, set to tip off today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, is expected to be a high-stakes showdown between two of the Kalahari Conference�s in-form teams.
The Rivers Hoopers, often referred to as The KingsMen, have enjoyed an outstanding run so far, notching two commanding victories in their opening group fixtures. In their tournament debut on Saturday, the Nigerian champions delivered a dominant performance against Stade Malien, securing an 80-61 win. They followed that up with a hard-fought 88-82 victory over Moroccan side FUS Rabat on Sunday, showcasing both grit and tactical depth.
However, Odaudu is not allowing the early success to cloud his judgment or inflate expectations prematurely. Speaking after the team�s second win, the seasoned coach emphasized the importance of staying grounded and maintaining a one-game-at-a-time mindset.
�We�re still building,� Odaudu remarked during his post-match press briefing. �This is not the final product. Yes, we�re happy with the wins, but we are very aware that there is still work to be done. The team is improving, but we�ve not reached the level we believe we�re capable of. Every game is an opportunity to grow.�
Today�s matchup against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ittihad is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the Kalahari Conference. Like Rivers Hoopers, the Alexandrian club has also started its campaign with back-to-back victories. Al Ittihad defeated FUS Rabat 71-60 in their opener and narrowly edged past Stade Malien 72-69 in a closely contested battle.
Both teams now sit at the top of the Kalahari standings, but Rivers Hoopers hold a slight edge thanks to a superior point differential. With automatic qualification for the BAL playoffs at stake, the encounter could determine which team finishes the group stage in pole position.
Coach Odaudu is well aware of the threat posed by the Egyptian side, and he insists that his team is preparing for the game with a full understanding of what�s at stake.
�We know what Al Ittihad brings to the table�strength, experience, and a tactical system that�s difficult to break down,� he said. �But we�re not focused on them as much as we�re focused on ourselves. It�s about executing our game plan, staying disciplined, and continuing to develop our chemistry on the court.�
This year marks Rivers Hoopers� third appearance in the Basketball Africa League, and expectations are higher than ever. After participating in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2021, the Nigerian side returned stronger last year, finishing third overall�the highest finish ever by a Nigerian team in BAL history.
That achievement has fueled greater ambition within the squad and among fans, but Odaudu remains cautious. He credits the team�s improved structure and new additions to the current momentum but insists the goal remains to progress steadily, game by game.
�The team is more balanced this year. We�ve made some adjustments that have improved our competitiveness,� he explained. �But our philosophy hasn�t changed�we don�t look beyond the next game. The bigger picture is the playoffs, and from there, hopefully, a chance at the title. But for now, it�s all about Al Ittihad.�
The 2025 Basketball Africa League features 12 elite teams from across the continent, divided into three conferences: the Nile Conference, Sahara Conference, and Kalahari Conference. Each conference consists of four teams, with each team playing the others twice in a 12-game group stage.
At the end of the conference rounds, the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams overall, will qualify for the BAL playoffs. This year�s playoff phase will be held from June 6 to June 14 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, where the top eight teams will compete for the coveted title.
With two wins under their belt and a confident, disciplined approach, Rivers Hoopers are in a strong position to secure one of those playoff spots. However, the next test against Al Ittihad could prove pivotal in defining their tournament journey.
As the BAL continues to grow in stature, the performance of clubs like Rivers Hoopers showcases the increasing quality and competitiveness of basketball on the African continent. And while fans are rightfully excited by their early dominance, Coach Ogoh Odaudu is keeping his eyes firmly on the long game.
