Peter Olisemeka has welcomed Rivers Hoopers' return to the Basketball Africa League, declaring his readiness to compete on the continental stage once more. The forward helped the Port Harcourt side reclaim the Nigeria Premier Basketball League crown and secure Nigeria's ticket to the 2027 BAL.
The KingsMen sealed their seventh NPBL championship with an unbeaten Final Four run in Port Harcourt, finishing the title-clinching phase with a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers. That result avenged last season's painful 74-72 defeat to the same opponent in the championship decider.
Olisemeka, who described the season as personally challenging, posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds in the 88-76 win over Gboko City Chiefs and added five assists. He finished among the NPBL All-Star Five selections for the Final Four.
Attention now turns to the BAL, where Rivers Hoopers return after a one-season absence. Their previous best came with a third-place finish in the 2024 edition. "I can't wait to play in the BAL again," Olisemeka said, stressing that preparations must start early for a strong continental campaign.
