Rivers Hoopers have claimed their seventh Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) championship, capping an impressive campaign that saw them remain among the league's leading contenders. The Port Harcourt-based club secured the title with a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers in their final Final Four fixture at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt. This win marked the Hoopers' second championship in as many years, following a narrow loss to Maktown in the previous season's final.
The championship game was a fiercely contested encounter between two of Nigeria's top clubs, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage through regulation time. The game ultimately went into overtime, where Rivers Hoopers held their nerve to claim a thrilling two-point victory. This result sealed an unbeaten Final Four campaign for the Hoopers, who had entered the stage after topping the Final Eight standings with a 6-1 record.
The championship also carried an element of redemption for Rivers Hoopers, who were defeated by Maktown in the previous season's championship game. This time, however, the Hoopers prevailed in another closely fought contest, reclaiming the domestic crown on home soil. According to Kayode Ajiboye, the Hoopers' victory was a statement of intent from head coach Ogoh Odaudu and his players.
The title has also restored Rivers Hoopers' place on the continental stage, earning Nigeria's qualification spot for the 2027 Basketball Africa League (BAL). This marks the club's return to Africa's premier club basketball competition after missing out for a season. The Hoopers' championship triumph was met with widespread celebration from fans and supporters.
Rivers Hoopers had dominated the Final Eight standings, finishing with a 6-1 record that secured their spot in the Final Four. Maktown Flyers also finished with a 6-1 record but were placed second on points difference. The two teams were evenly matched, setting up a thrilling championship game that went into overtime.
The 2026 NPBL season was marked by intense competition among the top teams, with Rivers Hoopers ultimately emerging as champions. The Hoopers' unbeaten run in the Final Four stage was a testament to their strength and determination. According to reports, the team's victory was celebrated by fans in Port Harcourt and across Nigeria.
One week after their championship triumph, Rivers Hoopers remain on a high, with their victory still resonating with fans and supporters. The team's return to the BAL will see them compete against the best clubs in Africa, providing an opportunity for them to test their skills against top opponents. The Hoopers' championship win has restored their status as one of Nigeria's top basketball clubs.
Key points
- Rivers Hoopers claim seventh NPBL championship with 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers
- The championship marks the club's return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after missing out for a season
- The win was a statement of intent from head coach Ogoh Odaudu and his players, who secured an unbeaten Final Four campaign
