Kelvin Amayo, a Nigerian-Canadian basketball player and guard for Rivers Hoopers, recently shared his journey from college basketball to his professional career and his deep desire to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
In a candid interview, Amayo discussed his experience with Rivers Hoopers, where he won the NBBF title and participated in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) last year. Reflecting on his achievements, he expressed gratitude for being part of the team and highlighted the significance of their victory in Nigeria.
“It feels amazing to be part of the club,” Amayo said. “We did incredible things in the BAL, and winning the championship here in Nigeria was a testament to our hard work as a team. It’s all about enjoying the process.”
Despite tough competition from teams like Gboko Chiefs and Hoops and Read, Amayo maintained confidence during the championship, especially the semi-final, which he viewed as the most important game for securing a BAL ticket.
Having grown up in Canada and developed his skills in the U.S., Amayo admitted that his connection to Nigeria was initially limited. However, his desire to play for the Nigerian national team has driven his career choices. “I always wanted to play for Nigeria, and now that I’m with Rivers Hoopers, I’m closer to that dream,” he explained.
His decision to join Rivers Hoopers stemmed from his wish to play for Nigeria and the team’s presence in the BAL. He praised coach Ogoh and the entire organization for their efforts in bringing him to the team, acknowledging the excellent chemistry between him and the coach, which led to their success.
Amayo’s ambitions extend beyond national championships. Representing Nigeria in international competitions like the Olympics, AfroBasket, and the World Cup is a goal he is determined to achieve. “Getting Nigeria to the Olympics is part of my dream,” he stated. “I want to play for Nigeria, and I believe with the right team, we can showcase the best of our country.”
Reflecting on his experiences in the NCAA, where he played for Towson University and Loyola Marymount, Amayo spoke about the challenges he faced, including injuries, and how those experiences shaped his professional career. Despite not being drafted into the NBA, he remained focused on his goals, working tirelessly to improve and seize opportunities wherever they arose.
Amayo also shared insights from his time playing in Iran and Georgia. In Iran, he won MVP of the league and showcased his skills on a larger stage, while his stint in Georgia allowed him to recover from injuries and improve his game.
Speaking about the Basketball Africa League, Amayo emphasized the league’s significance in providing a global platform for players to showcase their talents. He credited the support of his teammates at both Rivers Hoopers and Stade Malien for their collective success in the league.
As the 2025 season approaches, Amayo is optimistic about the Hoopers’ chances of securing the BAL title. “I believe we can win this season,” he said. “We’ve learned from last year, and if we keep pushing, we’ll get there.”
Looking ahead, Amayo is also focused on helping young Nigerian athletes achieve their dreams, particularly those aspiring to play basketball in the U.S. “I’m working on projects to help young Nigerian athletes come to the States,” he revealed.
