Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu and Final Four Most Valuable Player Abel Offia have set their sights on the Basketball Africa League after the Kingsmen reclaimed the Nigeria Premier Basketball League crown in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, securing Nigeria’s lone ticket to the continental competition.
Hoopers completed a perfect Final Four run by edging outgoing champions Maktown Flyers 92-90 in overtime, having wrapped up the title with a game to spare on Monday. “This was exactly what we wanted to do — reclaim our rightful position, and we did that,” Odaudu said. “I’m excited that we’re back at the Basketball Africa League, which is the biggest stage in African club basketball.”
Maktown led 47-38 at half-time before Hoopers responded with a 25-16 third quarter. The game was tied 80-80 after regulation, and Maktown edged ahead early in overtime. Offia then took control, scoring seven of his 14 points in the extra period, including a clutch jumper to level the score with under a minute left before stealing the ball at midcourt and finishing the decisive layup.
Peter Olisemeka posted a double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds, Tunisian guard Omar Abada added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Victor Sunday (12), Buchi Nwaiwu (11) and John Idoga (10) also contributed. Offia, Olisemeka and Abada were named to the NPBL All-Star Five. In the earlier game, Aso Sky Hawks beat Gboko City Chiefs 80-75 to finish second at 2-1 and claim the Savannah Conference title, while Maktown were recognised as Atlantic Conference regular-season champions.
Offia said the Hoopers faithful played a key role in the comeback from 12 points down and believes the team can make a deeper BAL run. “We want to reach the playoffs first and see how far we can go,” he said.
