Seven-Time Champions! Rivers Hoopers Storm To NPBL Glory In Port Harcourt

Rivers Hoopers have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) after completing an unbeaten Final Four campaign in Port Harcourt.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Kingsmen secured their seventh NPBL championship on Tuesday, September 22, with a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers. The triumph came a day after they defeated Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 to put themselves in a strong position to reclaim the league title.

Rivers Hoopers had already secured the championship with a game to spare after Maktown Flyers suffered a 72-64 defeat to Aso SkyHawks, leaving the Port Harcourt-based side beyond the reach of their rivals.

The Hoopers then completed their unbeaten Final Four run by edging Maktown Flyers in a tense overtime encounter, adding another memorable chapter to their history in Nigerian basketball.

Their latest championship also provided redemption after last season’s painful 74-72 defeat to Maktown in the title game. That encounter was decided in the closing seconds on Rivers Hoopers’ home court, making Tuesday’s victory particularly significant for the Kingsmen.

In their 88-76 victory over Gboko City Chiefs, Rivers Hoopers produced an impressive shooting display, knocking down 12 three-pointers as they strengthened their grip on the Final Four standings.

Head coach Ogoh Odaudu expressed his delight after his team secured the championship, saying the players had responded strongly after the disappointment of the previous season.

“I’m really, really happy,” Odaudu said.

He recalled last season’s heartbreak and said the team was determined not to suffer another painful defeat on home soil.

Odaudu praised his players, the supporters and Rivers State for their backing throughout the campaign, adding that the team had worked hard to return to the position they believed they belonged.

The coach also said his players had wanted to avoid another close finish against Maktown and instead maintain control of the contest, praising them for executing the game plan effectively.

The NPBL championship is another major milestone for Rivers Hoopers and also secures their return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2027 after missing out on the continental competition for a season.

With their seventh domestic title now secured, the Kingsmen will turn their attention to preparing for their return to Africa’s premier club basketball competition.