Rivers Hoopers have reclaimed the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title after completing an unbeaten run in the 2026 Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt.
The KingsMen sealed the championship with a game to spare after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 on Monday, before rounding off their campaign with a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers on Tuesday.
The triumph gave Hoopers their seventh NPBL title and ended their wait for another league crown after they surrendered last season’s championship to Maktown Flyers.
Hoopers’ title-clinching victory over Gboko City Chiefs was built around their impressive shooting from beyond the arc, with the Port Harcourt side draining 12 three-pointers to secure the 12-point victory.
Their championship was confirmed after Maktown Flyers suffered a 72-64 defeat to Aso Sky Hawks earlier on Monday, leaving Rivers Hoopers with an unassailable advantage heading into the final day.
The KingsMen subsequently completed a perfect finish by edging Maktown Flyers 92-90 in a pulsating overtime encounter on Tuesday.
The victory also provided redemption for Hoopers following their agonising 74-72 defeat to Maktown in last season’s championship game, which was decided in the closing seconds on their home court.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed his delight after his side secured the title, saying the players were determined not to suffer another painful defeat on home soil.
“I’m really, really happy,” Odaudu said.
He added that the team wanted to avoid another closely fought contest that could be decided in the final moments, praising his players for executing their plans effectively.
The championship also earns Rivers Hoopers Nigeria’s place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking the club’s return to the continental competition after a season-long absence.
The title further strengthens the Port Harcourt-based side’s position as one of the leading forces in Nigerian basketball, having now won the NPBL championship seven times.
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