Nairobi Thunder Makes Qualified for BAL

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The match, held as part of the Road to BAL qualifiers, was a tense showdown that saw the Kenyan champions etch their name in the annals of African basketball.

Nairobi City Thunder secured their place in the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the first time in their history after an emphatic 72-62 victory over Uganda's City Oilers. Photo/Capital FM.

Nairobi City Thunder secured their place in the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL) for the first time in their history after an emphatic 72-62 victory over Uganda’s City Oilers.

The match, held as part of the Road to BAL qualifiers, was a tense showdown that saw the Kenyan champions etch their name in the annals of African basketball.

Thunder’s triumph marked a significant milestone for Kenyan basketball, as they join an elite group of clubs competing in the continent’s premier basketball league.

The win was built on a mix of tactical discipline, high-energy defense, and clinical offensive execution, qualities that set them apart throughout the qualifiers.

The game started with a cautious approach from both teams, each aware of the stakes.

However, Thunder gained momentum in the second quarter, using their speed and sharp three-point shooting to pull away from their East African rivals.

Despite a late surge from the Oilers, Thunder’s defensive resilience, led by captain Griffin Ligare and the towering presence of the team’s big men, ensured they maintained their lead until the final buzzer.

Speaking after the game, head coach Sadat Gaya expressed pride in his team’s achievement, emphasizing the hard work and preparation that went into their campaign.

“This is not just a victory for Thunder; it is a victory for Kenyan basketball,” he said. “We have shown that we can compete at the highest level, and now we are ready to represent our country on the continental stage.”

Fans across Kenya erupted in celebration as Thunder’s qualification was confirmed, with social media flooded with congratulatory messages.

The victory carries added significance, as it places Kenya back on the African basketball map after years of struggling to make a mark in regional competitions.

The Basketball Africa League, which is backed by the NBA and FIBA, brings together top clubs from across the continent.

It has rapidly become a showcase for the best basketball talent in Africa, providing players and teams with an opportunity to shine on a global stage.

As they prepare for BAL Season 5, Thunder’s focus will now shift to strengthening their squad and refining their strategies to compete against Africa’s basketball giants.

With this historic qualification, the team has not only raised its profile but has also reignited the passion for basketball in Kenya, paving the way for a bright future for the sport in the region.

Nairobi City Thunder’s journey to BAL represents resilience, ambition, and the power of teamwork—a story that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of basketball enthusiasts in Kenya and beyond.

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