Rivers Hoopers Celebrate Big Win in NPBL Finals

Rivers Hoopers’ intense 92-90 overtime win against Maktown Flyers in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Four is getting lots of praise from basketball fans in Port Harcourt. Supporters are calling the victory a great comeback for the club, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The KingsMen had already won their seventh NPBL title with a match to spare after beating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 last Monday. They finished their season with another tough victory over Maktown Flyers at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

Both teams struggled to take a clear lead during regulation time, leading to overtime. In this extra period, the home team kept their cool and secured a two-point victory, finishing the Final Four without a loss.

This win marked Hoopers’ return to the top of Nigerian basketball. They entered the Final Four after finishing first in the Final Eight standings with a 6-1 record. Maktown also had a 6-1 finish but took second place due to points difference.

The championship also served as a chance for revenge for the Port Harcourt team. They lost the previous season’s final 74-72 to Maktown, who were then known as Lagos Legends.

Afiemo Obaro, who speaks for the Hoopers supporters’ group, expressed how satisfying the win was after last season’s close loss. "Last season, Maktown, then competing as Lagos Legends, defeated Rivers Hoopers 74-72 in the NPBL championship game. This time, however, the Hoopers prevailed in another closely fought contest, reclaiming the domestic crown on home soil. It was a deserving redemption title and return to the Basketball Africa League," Obaro said.

"One week on, the result stands as the fitting conclusion to Rivers Hoopers’ return to the top of Nigerian basketball, NPBL champions once again, unbeaten in the Final Four and headed back to the BAL."

This title means Rivers Hoopers have now won seven league titles and secured a spot in the 2027 Basketball Africa League. This marks their return to the continental competition after missing it for a season.

Head coach Ogoh Odaudu is already planning for the next challenge. He said the players will first enjoy their local success. "We are going to surely celebrate this one, but I promise you that we will prepare adequately for the BAL," Odaudu said.

The club also held a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt on Sunday.