Rivers Hoopers capped their 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League campaign in dramatic fashion, defeating Maktown Flyers 92-90 in overtime to complete an unbeaten Final Four run and reclaim the domestic crown.
The KingsMen had already secured their seventh NPBL title with a game to spare after beating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 on Monday. They returned to action at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday and produced another hard-fought performance against Maktown.
Neither team managed to establish a decisive advantage during regulation time, forcing the contest into overtime. The hosts held their composure when it mattered most, edging the Flyers by two points to bring their championship campaign to a memorable conclusion.
Hoopers entered the Final Four after finishing top of the Final Eight standings with a 6-1 record. Maktown also posted a 6-1 record but finished second on points difference.
The victory also carried an element of redemption for the Port Harcourt-based side, who had lost last season’s championship final 74-72 to Maktown, then competing under the name Lagos Legends.
Afiemo Obaro, spokesperson for the Hoopers supporters’ group, said the latest triumph was especially significant because of last season’s narrow defeat.
“This time, however, the Hoopers prevailed in another closely fought contest, reclaiming the domestic crown on home soil,” Obaro said, describing the achievement as a fitting redemption and a return to the Basketball Africa League.
The championship also secured Rivers Hoopers’ place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking their return to the continental competition after missing out for a season.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu said the team would celebrate its domestic success before turning its attention to the BAL challenge.
“We are going to surely celebrate this one, but I promise you that we will prepare adequately for the BAL,” Odaudu said.
The celebrations continued on Sunday when the club held a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to mark its successful campaign and return to the top of Nigerian basketball.
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