The Basketball Africa League (BAL) tipped off with high anticipation as Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers faced Tunisia’s seasoned powerhouse, US Monastir, in the opening game. The match, played in front of an energetic crowd at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, marked a tough start for the Hoopers, who were outplayed by Monastir in a 77-65 loss.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Monastir, the 2022 BAL champions and one of the league’s most experienced sides, were intent on asserting their dominance. Despite their recent rebuilding efforts and the loss of some key players from previous campaigns, Monastir’s discipline and structured gameplay gave them the edge. The Hoopers, meanwhile, came into the game looking to shake off the underdog tag and prove that Nigerian basketball deserves its place on the continental stage.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Rivers Hoopers, known for their defensive grit, managed to contain Monastir’s offensive threats early on. However, missed shots and unforced turnovers prevented the Nigerian side from capitalizing on their solid defensive foundation. Monastir edged the quarter 17-14, thanks to some well-executed fast breaks and a couple of timely three-pointers from their backcourt.
The second quarter saw Monastir shift gears. Their veteran guard Radhouane Slimane orchestrated the offense with poise, directing traffic and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Hoopers had no answer for Monastir’s improved ball movement, and their zone defense was repeatedly pierced by slick passing and sharp shooting. Rivers Hoopers’ head coach, Ogoh Odaudu, called a timeout midway through the quarter in an attempt to stop the bleeding, but Monastir maintained momentum, outscoring the Hoopers 22-12 in the period to take a 39-26 lead into halftime.
Rivers Hoopers showed signs of life in the third quarter. Forward Devine Eke led the charge with aggressive drives to the basket and crucial rebounds on both ends of the court. His energy sparked a mini-run that brought the Hoopers within seven points. However, Monastir responded with calm efficiency. The Tunisian side’s bench stepped up, particularly forward Mokhtar Ghayaza, who contributed key points in the paint and provided a defensive anchor.
Every time the Hoopers made a push, Monastir countered with composed execution. The third quarter ended 58-47 in favor of Monastir, with Rivers still struggling to find consistent scoring. Emmanuel Omogbo and Will Perry tried to push the pace for the Hoopers, but they found themselves smothered by Monastir’s tight perimeter defense.
In the fourth quarter, Monastir relied on their experience to close out the game. They slowed the tempo, focused on high-percentage shots, and continued to stifle the Hoopers’ offense. Rivers Hoopers never gave up and managed to keep the deficit respectable, but they lacked the offensive firepower and cohesion to mount a serious comeback.
By the final buzzer, US Monastir had secured a comfortable 77-65 win. It was not a dominant blowout, but a clear reminder of the gap in experience and execution between the two sides. Slimane finished the game with a team-high 18 points and 6 assists, while Ghayaza added 14 points and 9 rebounds. For Rivers Hoopers, Devine Eke was the standout, registering a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Despite the loss, there were positives for Rivers Hoopers. Their defensive hustle, especially in the opening and closing minutes, showed promise. Coach Odaudu emphasized post-game that the team is still growing and gaining vital experience at this level of competition.
“We came here to compete, and although we fell short today, there are lessons to take into the next games,” Odaudu said. “This is just the beginning.”
The defeat puts the Hoopers in a challenging position in the Nile Conference group, where only the top four teams will advance to the playoffs. They will need to regroup quickly and find ways to improve their offensive efficiency if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Looking ahead, the Hoopers will face Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly later in the group stage—two more tough opponents. But if they can build on their defensive foundations and clean up their execution, they could still make a surprising run.
For Monastir, the win was a strong opening statement. After falling short in last year’s competition, they appear motivated to reclaim their place at the top of African basketball. Their balanced attack, veteran leadership, and tactical discipline make them a team to watch as the tournament progresses.
As the BAL heats up, Rivers Hoopers now face the ultimate test—not just in their upcoming matches, but in how they res
pond to this early setback.
