Derrick Ogechi delivered a standout performance as Nairobi City Thunder clinched a spot in the Elite 16 round of the 2025 Basketball Africa League with an 86-63 win over JKT in their final East Division matchup in Kibaha, Tanzania.
Thunder needed the victory against the Tanzanian military side to secure a top-two finish and advance to the next round. They wrapped up their campaign with a 3-1 record, with their only loss being a narrow defeat to Burundi’s Urunani by just half a basket.
Ogechi led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes of play, showcasing his impact since joining Thunder last month to bolster their continental ambitions. Expressing his joy after the game, Ogechi highlighted the team’s resilience despite the setback against Urunani.
“We aimed to qualify with an unbeaten record, but a tough one-point loss to Urunani shattered that goal. Nonetheless, we’re thrilled to have made it to the Elite 16. Playing against the home team in our final match was challenging, as we struggled defensively at the start, but we made the necessary adjustments to secure the win. Now, our focus shifts to the next challenge in the Elite 16,” Ogechi remarked.
Thunder’s Albert Odero and Tyler Ongwae also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 10 points respectively. The team played without their key center, Will Davis, who suffered an injury in the game against Urunani.
Despite a slow start with JKT leading 20-18 at the end of the first quarter, Thunder dominated the second quarter, outscoring the hosts 23-9 and taking control of the game.
As Kenya’s national champions, Thunder will now return home to regroup and prepare for the more challenging Elite 16 round. They aim to become the first Kenyan team to advance beyond this stage and secure a spot in the final tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, next year.
