By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Supporters of Rivers Hoopers and fans of Nigerian basketball have been assured that the tense political situation in Rivers State, occasioned by a State of Emergency slammed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will not take a toll on the performances of the reigning Nigerian Champions, as they begin their campaign for honours in this season’s Basketball African League (BAL 5).
The President FIBA Africa Zone 3, Retired Col. Samuel Ahmedu Stated this in an exclusive chat with Radio Nigeria Sports, from his base in the United States.
According to Ahmedu, who is also a member of the outgoing board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), being a team owned and funded by the Rivers State government, the team would have long ago tabled a requisition, and received approvals, for the funds and logistics needed for their campaign for honours at the Kalahari Conference of this season’s BAL.
Under the tutelage of Coach Ogoh Odaudu, the Port Harcourt based, Rivers Hooper finished 3rd overall at the last tournament in Kigali, Rwanda; and that represents their best ever finish at the dollar spinning event, supported by the NBA.
Meanwhile, Rivers Hoopers are billed to depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, in Ikeja Lagos today, for Rabat, the capital of Morocco to participate in the Kalahari Conference of BAL Season 5.
The Kingsmen as they are also known arrived in Lagos on Sunday, to put finishing touches to their staggered preparation for the tournament.
But prior to leaving Port Harcourt, players and officials of the team, were hosted to a luncheon by the Permanent Secretary of the state’s ministry of sports, Kevin Nweke who reassured them of the unflinching support of the state government, at all times; and urge them to target a place in the final, this time around.
“I speak on behalf of the sports ministry and government, and our charge is for you to go a step further than you did last season. Success is not going to be easy, but having reached the top we expect you to stay there…”
The Kingsmen will open their campaign on Saturday, April 5th, against Malian champions, Stade Malien, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, in Rabat.
Aside from the Kalahari Conference to be housed in Rabat, there are two other conferences of BAL 5, – the Sahara Conference to be stationed in Dakar, Senegal; that’s from April 26th to May 4th, 2025; and the Nile Conference, to be hosted by Rwanda, at the Kigali Arena, from
May 17th to 25th, 2025.
