• Hoopers lost to Al Ahly Ly 83-89 in the semis

• The Nigerian Champions next face Cape Town Tigers

• Odaudu believes his Team punched above their weight at the BAL

Rivers Hoopers head coach, Ogoh Odaudu remains determined as his team prepares for the bronze medal match in the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Despite a hard-fought 89-83 semi final defeat to Al Ahly Ly on Wednesday in Kigali, Odaudu is setting his sights on securing third place finish.

“It’s quite unfortunate the fairytale run has ended.”

Rivers Hoopers compiled an impressive 5-3 record leading up to the semi-final.

Their notable journey included a quarter-final victory over the 2022 champions US Monastir which bolstered their reputation and confidence.

Reflecting on the semi-final loss, a disappointed but resolute Odaudu expressed his intent to rebound and aim for the bronze medal against the Cape Town Tigers on Friday.

“Nobody gave us a chance, but we will raise our heads high. Nobody thought we would be here today, and here we are.

“It’s quite unfortunate the fairytale run has ended. We will try and make sure we come back and take the bronze medal game.”

Next on the plate of the Nigerian champions is the Cape Town Tigers. The South African side lost to Petro de Luanda 96-86 as the Angolans advance to the BAL final for the second time.