Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu and newly crowned Nigeria Premier Basketball League Most Valuable Player Abel Offia have already turned their attention to the Basketball Africa League after the KingsMen reclaimed the national title and secured Nigeria’s lone ticket to the continental competition.
Rivers Hoopers completed a perfect Final Four campaign on Tuesday with a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over defending champions Maktown Flyers in Port Harcourt.
The victory came a day after the KingsMen secured the NPBL championship with a game to spare, completing their return to the African stage after missing out on the title last season.
Odaudu said reclaiming the championship was exactly what his team set out to achieve, while expressing his excitement about returning to the BAL.
“This was exactly what we wanted to do—reclaim our rightful position, and we did that. I’m excited that we’re back at the Basketball Africa League, which is the biggest stage in African club basketball,” Odaudu said.
Offia, who was named the tournament MVP after an outstanding Final Four performance, is also eager to make another impact on the continental stage.
The guard highlighted the importance of the home crowd, particularly during their difficult comeback against Maktown, and said the team would aim to go beyond its previous BAL achievements.
“The fans actually helped us even when we were down by 12 points—they kept cheering for us,” Offia said.
“I feel very excited to be heading back to the BAL with the same team. That speaks volumes about Rivers Hoopers as an organisation. We’ll try to do something different this time. We want to reach the playoffs first and see how far we can go.”
The KingsMen were pushed all the way by Maktown, who led 47-38 at halftime after controlling the opening two quarters. Rivers Hoopers responded with a 25-16 third-quarter surge before the game ended 80-80 in regulation.
Offia then took control in overtime, scoring seven of his 14 points in the extra period. He hit a crucial jumper to level the game late before stealing the ball at midcourt and converting the decisive layup.
Peter Olisemeka recorded a double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds, while Omar Abada added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Victor Sunday scored 12 points, Buchi Nwaiwu contributed 11 points and six rebounds, while John Idoga finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
Offia, Olisemeka and Abada were also named in the NPBL All-Star Five.
Meanwhile, Aso Sky Hawks defeated Gboko City Chiefs 80-75 to finish second with a 2-1 record and claim the Savannah Conference title. Maktown Flyers were recognised as Atlantic Conference regular-season champions.
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