Best days ahead of Nigerian basketball – Enoh

Minister of Sports Development Senator John Enoh believes the third-place finish of Rivers Hoopers at the just-concluded Basketball Africa League in Kigali can inspire the country to achieve more in the game, PUNCH Sports Extra.

Enoh revealed this after receiving the players and officials of the club in Lagos on Sunday, following their success at the BAL Africa which saw them become the first Nigerian to reach the height.

Hoopers defeated South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers 80-57 in the third-place match at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday to claim the bronze medal at the 2024 BAL.

The KingMen’s fairy tale run at the competition was halted in the semi-finals by Al-Ahly Benghazi, who defeated them 89-83 on Wednesday but the Nigerian team shook off the disappointment of the loss and ruthlessly stomped on the Tigers to a podium finish.

Hoopers coach, Ogoh Odaudu, was also named the best coach of the competition in recognition of his team’s historic display.

“For the first time in BAL history, we won a bronze medal, we made it to the top three, and the best days are ahead for basketball in our nation. The flag of our country was raised and we thank the Rivers Hoopers,” Enoh posted via X.

“We celebrate our players, our heroes, our stars, our champions, God bless you. We will keep giving you the needed backing as the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.”

The minister also thanked the Rivers State government for giving the team adequate support, adding that the Hoopers’ strive proves that sports development is beyond the ministry.

“This clearly demonstrates that sports development is beyond the Federal Government. Rivers State has clearly demonstrated that every state has huge potential in sports that brings glory to our nation. They have committed to evolving and we see it. They have brought immense pride to our nation.”