Rivers Hoopers reclaimed the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title in emphatic fashion, defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 to secure the championship with a game to spare at the 2026 Final Four in Port Harcourt.
The victory on Monday, powered by 12 successful three-pointers, ensured the KingsMen returned to the summit after missing out on last season’s title on home court.
Their triumph was confirmed after Maktown Flyers suffered a 72-64 defeat to Aso Sky Hawks earlier in the day, leaving Hoopers with an unassailable advantage ahead of Tuesday’s final game.
The title represents the seventh league championship in Rivers Hoopers’ history and also guarantees their return to the Basketball Africa League in 2027.
For head coach Ogoh Odaudu, the triumph provided redemption after last season’s painful two-point defeat to Maktown Flyers, who snatched the title with a 74-72 victory in the closing seconds.
“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.”
Odaudu said his players were determined to avoid another tense finish and took control of the contest early enough to prevent a repeat of last season’s disappointment.
“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,” he added.
Gboko City Chiefs made the brighter start and held a four-point advantage late in the opening quarter, but Anaiye Johnson produced a stunning half-court buzzer-beater to reduce the deficit to 19-18 at the end of the first period.
The Hoopers then seized control in the second quarter. Chinedu Nwaogu’s three-pointer levelled the scores at 21-21 before he drew a foul and converted both free throws to put Rivers ahead.
Abel Offia extended the advantage with a corner three-pointer as Hoopers surged into a 32-27 lead before dominating the remainder of the half to establish a 45-35 advantage at the break.
Rivers continued their long-range assault after halftime, knocking down seven three-pointers in the second half and opening up a 21-point cushion at 88-67 before comfortably managing the closing stages.
The result also extended the Hoopers’ winning streak against Gboko City Chiefs to seven games, following their 83-65 overtime victory during the playoff phase.
Tunisian playmaker Omar Abada led Rivers’ scoring with 18 points and three assists, converting four of his six attempts from beyond the arc.
Peter Olisemeka produced a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing five assists. Offia added 14 points, six rebounds and four three-pointers.
Nwaogu supplied valuable energy from the bench with 13 points, John Idoga contributed 10 points, while Buchi Nwaiwu controlled the boards with seven points and 11 rebounds.
With the title already secured, Rivers Hoopers entered Tuesday’s final game as champions, completing their return to the top of Nigerian basketball and earning another opportunity to compete on the continental stage.
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