Odaudu: Rivers Hoopers Must Hold Heads High, Prepare for Stronger Return

As 2025 comes to a close, Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu has taken stock of a demanding but memorable campaign for the KingsMen, highlighting both the highs and the lessons learned while setting his sights firmly on a stronger return in 2026.

The year began with promise as the Hoopers finished runners-up at the Louis Edem Invitational Tournament in Lagos, falling to ASPAC of Benin Republic in the final.

Their domestic success in 2024 had already secured them a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season Five, where they were drawn into the Kalahari Conference at Kigali’s BK Arena.

The KingsMen impressed early on, defeating hosts FUS Rabat and 2023 runners-up Stade Malien in back-to-back victories. Despite two defeats to Egypt’s Al Ittihad Alexandria, Rivers Hoopers finished second in the group, earning automatic qualification for the BAL Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa.

Though they were unable to replicate their historic third-place finish from the previous season, Odaudu remained upbeat about the team’s standing among Africa’s elite.

‘Being among the top eight clubs in Africa is not an easy feat. So, in all, we still give thanks,’ he reflected.

On the domestic front, Rivers Hoopers entered the NPBL season chasing a third consecutive league crown. They swept through the Group and Inter-Group stages unbeaten, only to suffer two narrow defeats to eventual champions Lagos Legend, first in the Playoffs Phase and then in the Grand Finale.

Odaudu admitted the losses were painful but insisted they offered valuable perspective.

‘It also shows that we are not invincible, and that’s a good thing, it’s an eye-opener. We’ll go back to the drawing board and correct the things we didn’t do quite well,’ he said.

The coach reserved special praise for his squad, a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Young players such as Favour Komene and Johnnywalker John Idoga earned recognition for their development and commitment.

‘This crop of players has been really phenomenal. It’s a mixture of experience and youth, and I’m 110 per cent happy with the way some of the young players have developed,’ Odaudu noted.

He also acknowledged the crucial role played by the club’s backroom staff, management, and loyal supporters.

‘Win or lose, they always come out to support us, and that means a lot,’ he added.

Looking ahead, Odaudu struck a tone of optimism.

‘For 2025, we must hold our heads high. Yes, we lost the NPBL final, but everyone came to compete. Being the second-best team in the country is still something positive. We’re already looking forward to 2026, to do what needs to be done and reclaim our rightful position.’