- Kenyan national basketball player Albert Odero explains his move from Nairobi City Thunder to Rwanda’s Tigers BBC.
- Odero has signed a one-year contract with Rwanda Basketball League side, Tigers BBC after spending two seasons with NCT.
- Odero has confirmed he will return to Nairobi City Thunder for BAL 2026 and is confident the team will seek redemption after last season’s group-stage exit, with hopes of reaching the playoffs.
Kenyan national basketball player Albert Odero has revealed why he decided to leave the national champions, Nairobi City Thunder, for Rwanda Basketball League side, The Tigers BBC.
The Kenyan-American athlete has already finalized his transfer to Rwanda on a one-year contract, concluding a two-year tenure with Nairobi City Thunder.
“WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, @kenyan_airways! Tigers BBC just got stronger. Odéro brings energy, toughness, and a winning mindset and we’re ready to unleash it,” Tigers Basketball Club announced on their social media as the club bolsters its roster ahead of the 2026 season, which tips off on 24 January in Rwanda.
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Albert Odero explains his move from Nairobi City Thunder to Rwanda’s Tigers BBC
In an exclusive interview with SportPesa Blog, Odero, also known as Kenya Airways, explained that his primary reason for departing Nairobi City Thunder was an irresistible proposal from the Rwandan side, which he believes will advance his career despite a successful two-year spell with NCT.
The goal is to keep progressing and elevating my game. Rwanda is a strong league, and I feel it’s a place that can help me grow. The team made a great offer, and I really liked the role they proposed that’s why I chose to go there,” Odero told SportPesa Blog.
The Kenya Morans guard has enjoyed a substantial impact, not only with the national team but also since joining NCT in 2024 after an impressive showing during the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers 2025 in Tunisia, where he was named Morans’ best player.
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After joining the Bradley Ibs-led squad, he helped them make history in 23/2024 season by winning the Kenya Basketball League undefeated and qualifying for the Road to BAL 2025.
They advanced all the way to the inaugural Basketball Africa League tournament this year in Rwanda, becoming the first Kenyan team to achieve this feat.
I’ve truly enjoyed playing at home- it’s been the best two years of my life so far. I love NCT, I love my teammates, and the environment has been very professional with an excellent technical staff,” Odero added while reflecting on his time at the club.
Albert Odero confirms BAL 2026 return and sets sights on redemption
The 28-year-old has departed just after defending the Kenya Basketball Federation League title.
He also excelled in the Elite 16, where Nairobi City Thunder hosted the East Division, successfully retaining their championship and securing a return to the Basketball Africa League 2026, set to be held in Rwanda.
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Odero confirmed he will definitely rejoin NCT for BAL 2026 and is confident the team will seek redemption after their group-stage elimination last season, hoping to advance to the playoffs this time.
I will be back to join NCT during BAL, but these first two years have been successful… We’ve faced many challenges as a team and individually, and we’ve grown from them,” he stated. “Of course, we’re coming for revenge at BAL… It wouldn’t sit right with me playing against them for another team.”
Albert Odero marks this as his third African team since beginning his professional career after completing his education in the United States.
He launched his professional journey in Morocco with AS Sale, then moved to the Spanish third division to play for BC Cartagena.
He later joined Nairobi City Thunder, and during his first year with NCT, he also had a stint in Burundi with the Giants Urunani before returning for a second season with the Kenyan champions.