The basketball community in Port Harcourt has erupted in joy following Rivers Hoopers' dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Four. The win has been hailed as a fitting redemption for the club after last season's narrow defeat. Rivers Hoopers secured their seventh NPBL title with a game to spare after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 last Monday. The team capped their campaign with another hard-fought victory over Maktown Flyers at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
The match against Maktown Flyers was a closely contested encounter that forced overtime, where the hosts held their nerve to secure a two-point victory. The triumph marked a return to the summit of Nigerian basketball for Hoopers, who had entered the Final Four after finishing top of the Final Eight standings with a 6-1 record. Maktown also recorded a 6-1 finish but settled for second place on points difference. The championship also provided a measure of revenge for the Port Harcourt side, who lost the previous season's final 74-72 to Maktown.
Afiemo Obaro, spokesperson for the Hoopers supporters' group, expressed satisfaction with the victory, citing last season's narrow defeat as a motivation for the team's performance. Obaro described the win as a deserving redemption title and return to the Basketball Africa League. The victory has been met with widespread acclaim from the basketball community in Port Harcourt, with fans and supporters hailing the team's achievement.
The title secured Rivers Hoopers' seventh league title and qualification spot for the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking their return to the continental competition after missing out for a season. The team's head coach, Ogoh Odaudu, has already turned his attention to preparing the team for the continental challenge. Odaudu promised that the players would first savour their domestic success before focusing on the BAL.
The club held a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt on Sunday to celebrate their achievement. The team's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination, with the players and coaching staff earning praise for their performance. The victory has also highlighted the team's potential for future success in the continental competition.
Rivers Hoopers' return to the Basketball Africa League is seen as a significant boost for Nigerian basketball. The team's performance in the league has been impressive, with the team demonstrating their skills and talent on the court. The victory has also sparked celebrations among fans and supporters, who have been eagerly anticipating the team's return to the continental competition.
The team's coach, Ogoh Odaudu, has vowed to prepare the team adequately for the BAL, ensuring that they make a strong impact in the continental competition. With their seventh league title and qualification for the BAL, Rivers Hoopers are poised for a bright future in Nigerian and African basketball.
Key points
- Rivers Hoopers win 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Four
- Team secures seventh league title and qualification spot for 2027 Basketball Africa League
- Victory marks redemption for club after last season's narrow defeat
