Rivers Hoopers have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League after completing an unbeaten run at the Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt.
The KingsMen sealed their seventh NPBL title after defeating Maktown Flyers 92-90 in a thrilling overtime encounter on Tuesday, adding another victory to their impressive championship campaign.
Rivers Hoopers had already secured the title with a game in hand following their 88-76 victory over Gboko City Chiefs on Monday. The result came after the Port Harcourt-based side produced a strong shooting display, sinking 12 three-pointers to dismantle their opponents.
Earlier that day, Maktown Flyers had lost 72-64 to Aso SkyHawks, a result that mathematically confirmed Rivers Hoopers as champions before their final game of the playoffs.
The KingsMen nevertheless completed their campaign in style, overcoming Maktown in a dramatic overtime battle to finish the Final Four without defeat.
The triumph also provided a measure of redemption for Rivers Hoopers after their painful 74-72 loss to Maktown in last season’s championship game, which was decided in the closing seconds on their home court.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed his delight at finally seeing his team overcome last season’s disappointment.
“I’m really, really happy,” Odaudu said.
Reflecting on last season’s heartbreak, the coach said the team was determined not to suffer the same fate again on home soil.
“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,” he said.
Odaudu also praised his players for executing their game plan and maintaining control when it mattered most.
“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.
The championship also secures Rivers Hoopers’ return to the Basketball Africa League in 2027 after a season away from the continental competition.
With their seventh domestic crown now secured and a place in next year’s BAL confirmed, the KingsMen have capped their Final Four campaign with an unbeaten run and a memorable return to the top of Nigerian basketball.
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