RIVERS HOOPERS RECLAIM NPBL TITLE

Rivers Hoopers have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League after completing an unbeaten run in the Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt.

The KingsMen secured the title with a game to spare after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 on Monday, before completing their campaign with a 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers on Tuesday.

Hoopers sealed the championship against the Chiefs after making 12 three-pointers in the 88-76 victory.

Earlier, Maktown Flyers had lost 72-64 to Aso SkyHawks, a result that confirmed Rivers Hoopers as champions before their final game.

The victory over Maktown gave Rivers Hoopers a perfect finish and secured their seventh NPBL title.

The triumph also provided redemption for the team after their 74-72 defeat to Maktown in last season’s championship game, which was decided in the final seconds on their home court.

Hoopers head coach, Ogoh Odaudu, expressed his delight at winning the title after last season’s disappointment.

Odaudu said the team was determined not to suffer another late defeat and praised the players for maintaining control of the decisive game.

The championship also secured Rivers Hoopers a place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking their return to the continental competition after a one-season absence.