- Albert Odero makes first start in BAL 2026 but could not help as Nairobi City Thunder fall to Petro de Luanda.
- Thunder endured a heavy 97–70 loss during their third match in South Africa.
- Thunder will face Al Ahly Ly in their fourth match of the tournament on Friday, April 3.
Albert Odero made his first appearance in the 2026 Basketball Africa League as Nairobi City Thunder endured a costly second-quarter lapse that saw them succumb to a 97-70 loss to Angolan giants Petro de Luanda on Wednesday evening at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.
Odero, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain that saw him miss the opening two matches, was introduced off the bench and contributed 11 points but Thunder still suffered a second defeat in the Kalahari Conference, dropping to a 1–2 record after previously securing a 71–65 victory over hosts Jo’burg Giants.
ALSO READ: Nairobi City Thunder beat Johannesburg Giants to secure first BAL 2026 win
Nairobi City Thunder fall to Petro de Luanda
Derrick Ogechi led the Bradley Ibs charges with 20 points on the scoreboard, while Lance Thomas also made an impact, adding 12 points off the bench. Odero completed the trio of players in double figures for the day.
Meanwhile, Garang Diing, who was the MVP in the win against Jo’burg, struggled to replicate his 24-point performance, managing only two points in this outing.
On the other end, Sergio Valdeolmillos Moreno’s squad got most of their production from the bench, with three players leading the charge. Glofate Buiamba scored 15 points in a double-digit effort, while Childe Dundao and Yanick Moreira each chipped in 13 points.
With Kacoula Dut Jok adding 12 points off the floor, the only starter to hit double figures was Milton Bande Valente with 14 points, helping hand their side a second win of the tournament, improving to a 2-1 record for the 2024 BAL champions.
In the first quarter, Thunder kicked off with some positive energy, but a few fouls cost them the lead as the Angolan side managed to edge ahead in a tight 24-20 frame.
ALSO READ: Nairobi City Thunder make history with first BAL victory
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter, with Petro de Luanda dominating and establishing a commanding advantage. They went into halftime with a 59–31 lead, leaving Thunder struggling to respond offensively while also appearing vulnerable defensively.
The third quarter saw Thunder fight their way back into the contest, though they could not recover from their second-quarter slip.
They took the frame 27-17 to cut the deficit to 18, setting up a tense fourth quarter, but the Angolan side held firm, claiming a 21-12 win in the final period to seal the victory and condemn Thunder to their second loss of the tournament.
Nairobi City Thunder now face an uphill task, with only two matches remaining. They will need to win both to keep their playoff hopes alive as they aim for a spot in the finals set for Rwanda.
They will take on Al Ahly Ly in their fourth match of the tournament on Friday, April 3, with kickoff set for 5 PM EAT.
Nairobi City Thunder BAL 2026 Group Phase Results, Fixture Schedule and Tip-Off Times
Nairobi City Thunder 85-90 Dar City Basketball Club (H)
Nairobi City Thunder 71-65 Johannesburg Giants Basketball Club
Nairobi City Thunder 70-97 Petroleos de Luanda (A)
- 4/3/26 – 4pm: Nairobi City Thunder vs Al Ahly Ly Sporting Club (A)
- 4/5/26 – 6pm: Nairobi City Thunder vs Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (H)