Odaudu reflects on Rivers Hoopers' 2025 season, eyes strong return in 2026

Odaudu reflects on Rivers Hoopers' 2025 season, eyes strong return in 2026

As the year draws to a close, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach, Ogoh Odaudu, has reflected on a demanding and eventful 2025 season for the KingsMen.

On a competitive front, Rivers Hoopers began the year with a second-place finish at the Louis Edem Invitational Tournament in Lagos, losing to ASPAC of Benin Republic in the final.

The KingsMen went on to represent Nigeria at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season Five, following their triumph in the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL).

Drawn into the Kalahari Conference—hosted at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda—the KingsMen made a strong start, recording impressive doubleheader victories over hosts FUS Rabat and 2023 runners-up Stade Malien. Despite suffering two defeats to Egypt’s Al Ittihad Alexandria, Rivers Hoopers finished second in the conference, securing an automatic qualification for the BAL Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa.

Although the team fell short of replicating their third-place finish from the previous BAL season, Odaudu was encouraged by the club’s continued presence among Africa’s elite.

“I think it was really good, all the way from the BAL down to the domestic league. We didn’t quite get the result that we wanted at the BAL this year, but we’re happy that we made it out of the conference and into the finals. Being among the top eight clubs in Africa is not an easy feat. So, in all, we still give thanks,” he said.

Back on the domestic front, Rivers Hoopers entered the 2025 NPBL season determined to secure a third consecutive league title. After cruising through the Group and Inter-Group phases unbeaten, the KingsMen were edged out in two agonisingly narrow losses to eventual champions Lagos Legend—first in the Playoffs Phase, and later in the Grand Finale.

Reflecting on the campaign, the veteran coach remained gracious in defeat.

“Coming to the domestic front, yes, we didn’t quite achieve the target we set for ourselves. However, losing only two games out of all the games we played is a great achievement. It’s really heartbreaking to lose the final the way we did, but I think we did well. 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,” Odaudu stated.

At the heart of Rivers Hoopers’ season were the players who wore the famous royal blue and white stripes of the six-time league champions, and Odaudu was full of praise for the talent, hard work, and commitment shown by the Rivers Hoopers class of 2025.

“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. Kids like Favour Komene, Johnnywalker John Idoga, and several others laid everything on the court. This group has been one of the most interesting for me so far,” he noted.

Odaudu, who was named BAL Season Four Coach of the Year after leading Rivers Hoopers to a historic third-place finish, also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the club’s backroom staff, management, and passionate supporters.

“The backroom staff, management, and fans have been exceptional. We work hand in hand, especially the fans—they are fantastic. You could see them cheering and giving everything every evening we played. Win or lose, they always come out to support us, and that means a lot,” he added.

With the curtain now drawn on the 2025 season, Odaudu offered a measured verdict while looking ahead with 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,” he concluded.