Rivers Hoopers have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League after completing an unbeaten run in the Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt.
The KingsMen secured the title with one game remaining after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 on Monday before rounding off their campaign with a thrilling 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers on Tuesday.
Hoopers’ title-clinching victory over Gboko City Chiefs was powered by 12 successful three-pointers, as they secured a 12-point win.
Earlier on Monday, Maktown Flyers lost 72-64 to Aso SkyHawks, a result that confirmed Rivers Hoopers as champions with a game still to play.
Their victory over Maktown on Tuesday completed a perfect Final Four campaign and secured the club’s seventh NPBL championship.
The triumph also provided redemption for Hoopers following their painful 74-72 defeat to Maktown in last season’s championship game, which was decided in the closing seconds on their home court.
Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed his delight after the final buzzer, describing the victory as a memorable moment for the players, supporters and Rivers State.
“I’m really, really happy,” Odaudu said.
“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.
“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.”
The championship also guarantees Rivers Hoopers a place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking their return to continental competition after missing the previous season.