By Adegboyega Adeleye

Rivers Hoopers have reclaimed the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title, clinching their seventh championship and securing a return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2027.

The KingsMen were crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League on Tuesday following an unbeaten run in the Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt, after edging defending champions Maktown Flyers 92-90 in overtime on Tuesday, having already secured the championship with an 88-76 victory over Gboko City Chiefs on Monday.

Maktown Flyers started with the stronger push, taking a 26–22 lead at the end of the first quarter before extending their advantage to 47–38 at half-time. However, the resolute Rivers Hoopers side responded after the break, drawing level at 63–63 heading into the fourth quarter.

The two sides remained tied at 80–80 at the end of regulation time, which forced overtime, as Rivers Hoopers held their nerve in the extra period to secure a 92–90 victory and reclaim the NPBL title.

The triumph takes Rivers Hoopers to seven NPBL titles, tying them with Kano Pillars for the joint-most championships in the league.
Tuesday’s victory over Maktown Flyers completed a perfect finish to the Final Four and provided redemption for Rivers Hoopers after their agonising 74-72 defeat to the same opponents in last season’s championship game on home soil.

Rivers Hoopers forward Abel Offia was named the league’s Most Valuable Player after helping the Port Harcourt side reclaim the domestic crown. He averaged 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game, while recording an efficiency rating of 17.8 in the course of the tournament.

The title also secures Rivers Hoopers’ place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking their return to the continental stage after a season-long absence.

Speaking to newsmen after the title-clinching victory, the elated Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu said the team was determined not to suffer another heartbreak on home soil.

“I’m really, really happy. We had a heartbreak at home here last season, and we didn’t want thunder to strike in the same place twice. We put up a good fight, and right now I’m really happy for the boys, happy for the crowd, happy for Rivers State, and happy that we’re back where we’re supposed to be,” Odaudu said.

“We didn’t want to keep the game close and let it go down to the wire. We wanted to blow them out and ensure that we had control of the game, and the players played it to perfection. I’m really, really proud of them.”

In the other Final 4 fixture, debutants ASO Sky Hawks defeated Gboko City Chiefs 80–75 to finish as runners-up with a 2–1 record. Paul Dibal led the Sky Hawks with a game-high 32 points.