Rivers Hoopers to battle seven others for 2025 Basketball Africa League ticket
Rivers Hoopers are set to try and defend their Nigeria League title against seven tother teams in Port Harcourt where the winner will advance to the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.
The Port Harcourt based side are chasing their third BAL appearance.
Head coach of the Port Harcourt based side, Ogoh Odaudu says his side remain focused to return to the BAL and will not be underrating any of the teams that have made it to the playoffs.
He admitted that his side is under some pressure as defending champion and also playing on home court.
“I must admit that we will be playing under pressure given the fact that we are the reigning champion and also playing at home, but we will stay focused for the task ahead as we give maximum respect to other teams in the final 8. We will approach each game as if it’s our last game,” declares Coach Odaudu.
Hoopers finished third at the BAL Season 4 and will battle the likes of red-hot Gboko City Chiefs of Makurdi, former champion Kano Pillars, Hoops and Read of Lagos, Gombe Bulls, Nile University, Police Baton and former champion Kwara Falcons for the chance to return to the continent.
The eight teams were split into two groups of four teams:
Group A is made up of Gboko City Chiefs, Hoops and Read, Kano Pillars and Police Baton.
Group B has Rivers Hoopers, Nile University, Kwara Falcons and Gombe Bulls.
Teams are expected to arrive Port Harcourt on Wednesday November 13 while games start on Thursday November 14 with Savannah Conference leader Gboko City Chiefs taking to the court against Police Baton in the opening game of the Final 8.
Other games slated for the opening day will see Nile University facing former champion Kwara Falcons in the second game of game-day.
Former Nigeria senior men national team captain Olumide Oyedeji’s Hoops and Read will take on another former champion Kano Pillars while the closing game of game-day 1 will see host and reigning champion Rivers Hoopers battle Gombe Bulls.
