PORT HARCOURT (Nigeria) - The Rivers Hoopers have reclaimed the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title for 2026, defeating the Maktown Flyers 92–90 in an exciting overtime victory. This triumph follows their loss to Maktown in the previous year. The Hoopers finished the Final Four Playoffs with an impressive 3–0 record at home.
Read More
Key contributions came from Tunisian guard Omar Abada, who scored 17 points, alongside 16 points and 18 rebounds from Peter Olisemeka. Earlier in the playoffs, Rivers Hoopers secured victories over the Aso Sky Hawks (74–60) and the Gboko City Chiefs (88–76). This victory marks their seventh domestic league title, with previous wins in 2011, 2012, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Abel Offia, who has represented Nigeria in the 2023 FIBA AfroCan tournament, was recognized as the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He expressed his gratitude, stating that winning the league and MVP simultaneously was an incredible experience. Offia emphasized that the MVP award symbolizes the collective effort of the team.
Looking ahead, Offia spoke about the Hoopers' upcoming participation in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), indicating that the team is motivated and ready to compete at a higher level. He stated, "Expect a very hungry and determined Rivers Hoopers team. We’re going there to compete, to represent Rivers State and Nigeria with pride."
Alongside Offia, Abada and Olisemeka were named to the All-Tournament Team for the 2026 NPBL season, which included players from the Aso Sky Hawks and Gboko City Chiefs.
The NPBL season commenced on May 16, 2026, involving 20 teams divided into the Atlantic and Savannah conferences. The final tournament occurred from August 29 to September 6, hosted in Port Harcourt, featuring the leading teams from both conferences.