Nairobi City Thunder launched their Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 qualification campaign with a commanding 89-62 victory over Ugandan champions Namuwongo Blazers on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The Kenyan side shook off early nerves at Nairobi's Kasarani Indoor Arena to deliver a powerful second-half performance, signaling their intent to secure a spot in the continent's premier club competition for the second year running.

The win places Thunder in a strong position within their group in a high-stakes tournament that will see the two finalists from the East Division Elite 16 earn a place in the 2026 BAL season. For Kenya, Thunder's journey represents a significant milestone in the nation's growing basketball profile, building on the historic achievement of becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the BAL in 2025.

A Tale of Two Halves

The opening quarters were a tightly contested affair, with the Nam Blazers, fresh from winning their first Ugandan National Basketball League title, matching the hosts' intensity. However, the game shifted dramatically after halftime. Nairobi City Thunder, guided by American head coach Brad Ibs, emerged with renewed focus and defensive rigour, overwhelming the Blazers in the third and fourth quarters to seal the 27-point victory.

"I am very happy with the victory, especially this being our first game, and of course the points difference puts us in a good place to advance to the semi-final," Coach Ibs stated after the match. "We started off a bit rusty but we settled in and we were more of ourselves as time went by."

Team captain and Kenyan international Tylor Ongwae echoed the coach's sentiments, attributing the slow start to opening-game jitters. "The first game of the tournament is always nervous, but after we got our footing back and we started playing as a team," Ongwae noted. "Now we just have to go compete."

Overcoming Adversity

Thunder's decisive win was achieved despite a significant setback just days before the tournament. Dependable small forward Garang Ding was ruled out with an injury sustained in training, forcing a last-minute roster change. His replacement, David Deng, was drafted in and integrated quickly, contributing seven points in just over 15 minutes of play.

"It was definitely a blow not being with Garang for the tournament. He is one of us and has been part of this journey," Coach Ibs acknowledged. "But Deng came in and did really well and you couldn’t tell he only practiced with us yesterday. We will definitely miss Garang but I am also happy with how quick Deng has integrated with us."

The Broader Significance: BAL's Impact on East Africa

The Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), is a transformative force for the sport on the continent. Launched in 2019, the league provides a professional platform that elevates local talent, fosters economic growth, and creates a pathway for African players to the global stage. The BAL has already contributed significantly to Africa's GDP and created thousands of jobs related to its operations.

For Kenya, the impact is multi-faceted. Thunder's participation shines a spotlight on the domestic league and inspires a new generation of players. Furthermore, NBA Africa has deepened its commitment to the region by opening an office in Nairobi in 2023 and launching youth development programs, such as the M-PESA Jr. NBA, which aims to reach over 10,000 youths across Kenya. These initiatives, coupled with investments in infrastructure like the refurbished courts at the Kenya Academy of Sports, are building a sustainable ecosystem for basketball's growth.

Under the leadership of Coach Ibs, who guided the team to an undefeated Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League title in the 2023/2024 season, Thunder has become a symbol of this new era. The club's professionalization, including the strategic signing of high-calibre players like Ongwae, has raised the standard of Kenyan club basketball.

The Road Ahead

With this crucial opening victory, Nairobi City Thunder has set a positive tone for their Elite 16 campaign. Their performance against a formidable regional rival underscores their preparation and ambition. The team's ability to adapt and dominate after a slow start, combined with their resilience in the face of key injuries, demonstrates the qualities required to navigate the pressures of this tournament. As they continue their quest on home soil, the support of the Kenyan fans will be vital in their mission to once again earn a place among Africa's basketball elite.