Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu remains steadfast in his focus on improvement, even as his team continues to shine in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference.
Despite securing back-to-back victories, including an 88–82 win over Morocco’s FUS de Rabat and a dominant 81–60 victory over Mali’s Stade Malien, Odaudu insists that his side has not yet reached its peak.
“We are still a work in progress. We are not where we think we should be yet. We are still working on it,” Odaudu said after the Hoopers’ thrilling win over FUS de Rabat on Sunday night.
Despite the promising results, the coach remains cautious, underscoring that the team’s ultimate goal is to compete for the title and that every game is a step toward that achievement.
The Hoopers have had a perfect start to their campaign, but Odaudu has emphasized that they are taking things one game at a time.
“We are ready to compete this year. That was the plan from the get-go: we want to take it one game at a time,” he stated in the post-match press conference.
As the team heads into their next match, a critical encounter against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ittihad, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Both teams are currently undefeated, with Al Ittihad having triumphed 72–69 over Stade Malien earlier on Sunday.
This match promises to be a pivotal showdown, with the winner poised to secure automatic qualification for the BAL playoffs.
Rivers Hoopers have shown that they not only belong in the conversation as one of Africa’s elite teams but are more than capable of competing at the highest level.
With strength in both their starting lineup and off the bench, they have proven their mettle.
The upcoming clash against Al Ittihad is expected to be their toughest test yet, and a win could set the stage for a deep playoff run.
As the Hoopers continue to evolve, Odaudu’s calm yet determined leadership could prove the difference in their pursuit of continental glory.
Fans are hopeful that the team’s upward trajectory will continue and that the Hoopers will make a statement in the ongoing tournament.
The game against Al Ittihad is set to take place after a one-day break, and with both teams unbeaten, the contest could define the path to the coveted BAL playoffs.
