KIGALI, Rwanda, May 26, 2025 | Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) notched their first victory in the 2025 BAL Nile Conference, pulling off a surprise 85-76 win over South Africa’s MBB in the opening game of Day 5.
Albert Odero spearheaded Thunder’s effort with a team-high 23 points, while five other players also scored in double figures. Nairobi dominated the boards with a 53-43 rebounding advantage and showcased their speed with 27 fast break points.
Despite MBB’s loss, forward Teafale Lenard Jr turned heads with a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 38 points—setting a new single-game scoring record for the 2025 BAL season.
In the day’s second matchup, Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) extended their unbeaten run to five games with a thrilling 106-102 victory over hosts APR (Rwanda).
Jaylen Adams led Al Ahli with 26 points, supported by Jean Jacques Boissy and Mohammed Sadi, who each added 15. APR’s Obadiah Noel (30 points) and Chasson Randle (25 points) delivered exceptional performances, but their efforts fell just short.
The scintillating contest made BAL history, as Al Ahli became the first team in the 2025 season to surpass the 100-point mark in three games. It also marked the first time two teams crossed the 100-point threshold in the same game this season.
The Nile Conference concludes on Sunday with two final showdowns: Al Ahli Tripoli vs. MBB at 2:30 p.m., followed by Nairobi City Thunder vs. APR at 5:30 p.m. CAT.
NILE CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1. Al Ahli Tripoli* – 5-0
2. APR – 2-3
3. MBB – 2-3
4. Nairobi City Thunder- 1-4
*Advanced to 2025 BAL Playoffs
