After becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2025, Nairobi City Thunder have booked their place once again in 2026—this time with even bigger ambitions. The club has quickly grown into a dominant force in Kenyan basketball, winning back-to-back Kenyan Basketball League titles in 2024 and 2025. Their rise was further underlined by an unbeaten run during the Road to BAL qualifiers held in Nairobi last November. On their path to qualification, the Thunder defeated Namuwongo Blazers, Ferroviario da Beira, and Johannesburg City Thunder—whom they beat twice—to secure their BAL ticket. Players to watch A major factor behind the team’s consistency has been the decision to retain a strong core of players. Key figures such as Tylor Ongwae, Eugene Adera, Albert Odero, and South Sudanese forward Garang Ding return for a second straight BAL campaign. They are joined by Nigerian forward Josh Nzeakor, who previously featured in the BAL with AS Police (Mali), as well as American addition Lance Thomas. The coach effect At the helm is American coach Bradley Ibs, who took charge during the 2023–24 season. The Concordia University graduate is targeting history by leading Thunder to become the first Kenyan team to reach the BAL playoffs. The team managed just one win in six games during their debut campaign, beating MMB of South Africa 85–76 in the 2025 Nile Conference in Kigali. Tough test ahead Thunder will open their 2026 BAL campaign in Pretoria, facing strong opposition including Petro de Luanda, Al Ahly Ly, Johannesburg Giants, and Dar City. With experience gained and momentum on their side, Nairobi City Thunder are aiming to go further and make a lasting mark on the continental stage.
