BAL 2025: Rivers Hoopers Arrive In Pretoria For Final Showdown

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s representatives in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL), Rivers Hoopers, have touched down in Pretoria, South Africa, ahead of the highly anticipated finals scheduled to tip off on Friday, June 6, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The KingsMen earned their spot in this year’s finals after finishing as runners-up in the Kalahari Conference earlier in the season.

They are among eight elite teams set to clash at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria for the coveted title of African champions.

Led by head coach Ogah Odaudu, Rivers Hoopers will compete against a formidable lineup of clubs including Al Ahli (Libya), Al Ittihad (Egypt), US Monastir (Tunisia), Petro de Luanda (Angola), APR (Rwanda), FUS Rabat (Morocco), and Kriol Star (Cape Verde).

The Nigerian side, who clinched bronze in the 2024 BAL season held in Kigali, Rwanda, aisentering this year’s finals ranked as the fourth-best team on the continent.

Expectations are high as they aim to improve on last season’s performance and make a strong title run.