Nigeria’s representative at the inaugural Basketball African League, Rivers Hoopers have departed Nigeria for Rwanda on Monday in preparation for the tournament which begins from the 16th of May in Kigali Rwanda.
12 teams across the continent will participate in the pan-African league, which is the product of a partnership involving the the International Basketball Federation, FIBA and the NBA.
The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA regional office Africa has organized on the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America.
The first BAL Finals will be held on May 30.
According to the organisers, the BAL will implement robust health and safety protocols for the 12 teams and personnel traveling to Rwanda, based on guidance from the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, with advice from public health officials and medical experts.