Nairobi City Thunder have once again secured a coveted spot in the prestigious Basketball Africa League (BAL), qualifying for the 2026 season. The Kenyan champions booked their ticket after a commanding 109-70 victory over Mozambique's Ferroviario da Beira in the semi-finals of the FIBA Road to BAL Elite 16 East Division tournament on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The decisive match was played before a capacity crowd at the Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium in Nairobi, underscoring the team's rising popularity.

This marks the second consecutive year that Nairobi City Thunder will represent Kenya in Africa's premier men's basketball club competition, a feat that solidifies their status as a dominant force in the region. The team capped their successful qualifying campaign by defeating South Africa's Johannesburg Giants 94-84 in the final on Sunday, November 23, 2025, to retain the Elite 16 East Division title.

Dominance at Home

Throughout the qualifiers, Thunder showcased superior firepower and tactical discipline under the guidance of head coach Bradley Ibs. In the crucial semi-final against Ferroviario da Beira, guard Albert Odero delivered a stellar performance, leading all scorers with 32 points, 26 of which came in the first half alone. The team's offensive prowess was on full display as they became the first team in the tournament to surpass the 100-point mark.

The victory was built on an aggressive start, with Thunder establishing a 20-point lead by halftime (52-32) and never relinquishing control. The team's effective transition offense and perimeter shooting, led by Odero and veteran Tyler Ongwae, proved too much for the Mozambican side. Coach Ibs, speaking after the qualification, noted his side had "unfinished business" at the BAL, suggesting a determination to improve on their previous showing.

A New Era in Kenyan Basketball

Nairobi City Thunder's recent success is part of a remarkable transformation that began in August 2023 when the team was acquired by Twende Sports Limited. The new ownership professionalized the club's structure, enabling the signing of top-tier local and international talent and significantly improving player welfare. This investment has paid immense dividends, culminating in back-to-back Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League titles in 2024 and 2025.

Their 2025 KBF title was particularly historic, as they completed a perfect season with an 82-game unbeaten streak, sweeping defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 3-0 in the finals. The final game of that series, held in September 2025, was an 80-43 demolition at the Nyayo Gymnasium. This domestic dominance has been the foundation for their continental ambitions.

The BAL: A Platform for Growth

The Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and FIBA, represents the pinnacle of club basketball on the continent. Thunder's historic qualification for the 2025 season made them the first-ever Kenyan team to compete in the league. Although they were eliminated in the group stage with a 1-5 record, the experience was invaluable.

Their return to the BAL in 2026 offers a chance to build on that foundation and further elevate the profile of Kenyan basketball. The team's success has reignited fan interest, with their social media following growing from 1,900 in 2023 to over 25,000 in 2025, as reported by the BAL. The packed arenas for the Elite 16 qualifiers are a testament to this resurgence.

As Nairobi City Thunder prepares for their next continental campaign, the focus will be on leveraging their experience and strengthened roster to make a deeper run in the tournament. Their journey not only represents a new chapter for the club but also carries the hopes of a nation eager to make its mark on African basketball.