Reigning National Basketball Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder began their quest for a place in the 2025 FIBA Basketball Africa League (BAL) in emphatic fashion, securing a dominant 103-59 victory over South Africa’s M.B.B in their opening Group A match at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Thursday night.
Competing in the Elite 16 East Division Championship, which runs until December 3, Thunder made their intentions clear, overcoming a slow start to establish themselves as serious contenders for one of the two coveted spots in the 2025 BAL Finals.
Despite losing the first quarter 17-19, Coach Brad Ibs’ squad rallied to dominate the remaining three quarters with an all-around performance. Thunder outscored their opponents 31-18, 22-17, and an incredible 29-6 in the final period, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
New signing Abdoulaye Harouna delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 18 points and contributing two assists. Five other Thunder players scored in double figures, underlining the team’s depth. Garang Diing followed closely with 16 points and three rebounds, while Kennedy Wachira and Albert Odero each added 15 points.
Team captain Tylor Ongwae, also a new addition, chipped in with 10 points, as did Nigerian recruit Uchenna Iroegbu, rounding off a balanced offensive display.
“It’s a great start for us, but the job is far from done,” said Coach Brad Ibs. “We’re taking it one game at a time, and the focus now shifts to our next match. The team is hungry and motivated to make history.”
Thunder’s roster has been significantly bolstered for the Elite 16 campaign with five new signings, including Kenyans Tylor Ongwae, Eugene Adera, and Derrick Mekenye Ogechi, alongside Nigerian guard Uchenna Iroegbu and American forward William Sidney Davis II. These additions have added depth, experience, and versatility to an already formidable lineup.
Thunder’s next challenge comes on Friday when they face Cape Verde champions Kriol Star, fresh off their 89-58 victory against Malawi’s Bravehearts Basketball. Thunder will close their group stage campaign on Sunday against Bravehearts.
The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, with the finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2025 BAL Finals, Africa’s premier club basketball competition.
No Kenyan team has ever qualified for the BAL Finals, with both Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Ulinzi Warriors falling short at the Elite 16 stage. Nairobi City Thunder, however, are determined to break that jinx and etch their name in Kenyan basketball history.
The BAL Elite 16 East Division Championship is a showcase of Africa’s basketball talent, featuring top teams from across the continent. Thunder’s impressive victory has already set the tone for a tournament filled with intense competition and high stakes.
As the only Kenyan team in the tournament, Thunder carries the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. With their commanding performance against M.B.B., they have sent a clear message: they are here to compete and to make history.
