Rivers Hoopers have bolstered their squad with the signing of experienced Tunisian guard Abada, whose career has spanned clubs across Europe and the Middle East. The move is aimed at powering the Nigerian side's bid to go one step further after their defeat in last season's NPBL championship game.
Abada brings a wealth of international pedigree, having previously played for French LNB Pro B side Saint-Chamond, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad Jeddah, Syria's Al Wahda Damascus and Egyptian giants Al Ahly. During his time with Al-Ittihad Jeddah, he averaged 24.5 points and 6.6 assists per game.
The guard is well known to Nigerian basketball followers through repeated encounters with D'Tigers. He featured in the 2017 AfroBasket final, when Tunisia defeated Nigeria 77-65 to claim the continental title, and returned to Lagos for the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 24.0 points and 7.5 assists.
Most recently, Abada starred against Nigeria in the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers in July, recording 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds despite Tunisia's narrow 84-81 defeat in Radès. His arrival is expected to add experience, creativity and offensive firepower to a Rivers Hoopers team determined to lift the NPBL title.
