Hoopers’ bench completes the job

For most of their first five games, Rivers Hoopers' bench made little difference, but on the final day of the 2025 Kalahari Conference in Rabat, Morocco they proved they could be counted on.

After contributing a combined 32 points in their first opening four games, the Hoopers' reserves scored 33 points on Sunday as they defeated Stade Malien 79-59.

Players like Abel Offia, Micheal Afuwape, Onyebuchi Nwaiwu, Ifeanyi Koko Jr made the most of their increased playing time on the day Kelvin Amayo sat out.

The Hoopers' bench was fundamental in their second straight win over Les Blancs de Bamako in Rabat.

Rivers Hoopers finished with a 4-2 record ahead of their second straight BAL Playoffs appearance in June in Pretoria, South Africa.

Offia replaced the 2025 Nigerian League MVP Kelvin Amayo in the starting line-up, contributing nine points.

Hoopers' best yet to come

Afuwape made his presence felt, shooting 4-for-5 to finish with 13 points and Koko Jr. added nine points.

David Eke, a BAL Elevate player, hit a corner three-pointer - his first of the season - to finish with five points.

Koko Jr. said there's a lot more to come when they return to action for the 2025 BAL Playoffs: "I had a good game today, but it wasn't my best. I am a lot better than what I did today. I will show more of that in the playoffs in South Africa," said the 20-year-old.

Asked to reflect on the Hoopers’ bench contribution the 6-foot-8 forward replied: “We are always there either playing or supporting. We always bring some energy.

“We always have the positive mindset to go there and add value to the team and change the game.

“We are always there supporting our coaches who are always making the best decisions for the team… We know we all have the assets to win this game.”

Rivers Hoopers looked nothing like a team that suffered a heavy defeat (94-77) 24 hours earlier against the high-flying Al Ittihad.

They led Stade Malien by as many as 29 points at some points of the game.

“We wanted to win strong. That was the difference. We wanted to make a statement, and we did that by winning this game,” Koko Jr explained.

Afwape echoed Koko Jr’s sentiment, saying: “Despite our loss yesterday we came out today with so much confidence.”

“We were hungrier for the opportunity and the result showed tonight,” Afuwape pointed out, explaining that he was ready to make a difference: “My mindset was to come and make an impact for my team in any way I can.”

Rivers Hoopers finished second in the 2025 Kalahari Conference with four wins and two losses.