Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu and newly crowned NPBL Most Valuable Player Abel Offia are looking ahead to the Basketball Africa League after reclaiming the national title and securing Nigeria's lone ticket to the continental competition. The team completed a flawless Final Four campaign, edging outgoing champions Maktown Flyers 92-90 in overtime in Port Harcourt. This marked the fulfilment of the team's objective of regaining the national crown and returning to Africa's premier club basketball competition.
Odaudu expressed his excitement about the team's achievement, stating that they had reclaimed their rightful position and were eager to participate in the Basketball Africa League. He noted that the BAL is the biggest stage in African club basketball, and the team is looking forward to competing at that level. The team's victory marked a successful campaign, with Offia starring throughout the Final Four and being named the tournament MVP.
Offia, who was instrumental in the team's success, believes that the experience of the Hoopers' home fans will be crucial in their BAL campaign. He noted that the fans had helped the team even when they were down by 12 points, and he is excited to be heading back to the BAL with the same team. Offia expressed the team's desire to reach the playoffs and make a deep run in the competition.
The game against Maktown Flyers was a closely contested one, with Maktown dominating the opening half and leading 47-38 at the break. However, Rivers Hoopers responded with a 25-16 third-quarter surge to set up a tense finish. The game was tied 80-80 after regulation, with Maktown moving ahead early in overtime before Offia took charge, scoring seven of his 14 points in the extra period.
Offia's clutch performances, including a jumper to level the contest and a decisive layup, sealed the win for Rivers Hoopers. Other key contributors to the team's victory included Peter Olisemeka, who produced a double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds, and Tunisian guard Omar Abada, who added 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
The team's dominance during the Final Four was underlined by the selection of Offia, Olisemeka, and Abada to the NPBL All-Star Five. In the day's earlier game, Aso Sky Hawks capped their debut league season by defeating Gboko City Chiefs 80-75 to finish second with a 2-1 record and claim the Savannah Conference title. Maktown Flyers were recognised as the Atlantic Conference regular-season champions.
With their NPBL title win, Rivers Hoopers have secured a spot in the Basketball Africa League, and coach Odaudu and star player Offia are eager to make an impact on the continental stage. The team's successful campaign has demonstrated their strength and determination, and they will look to build on this momentum in the BAL.
Key points
- Rivers Hoopers have secured a spot in the Basketball Africa League after winning the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title.
- Coach Ogoh Odaudu and star player Abel Offia are eager to make an impact on the continental stage.
- The team's successful campaign was marked by the selection of three players to the NPBL All-Star Five.
