Rivers Hoopers forward Abel Offia, wey dem name Most Valuable Player of di 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League, don set im sight for di Basketball Africa League afta im win im first home title wit di Port Harcourt club. Offia tell Punch Newspapers say before, e don reach NPBL finals before but no lift di trophy.
Offia say im first pick di sport when e be 12 for Benin afta e see one girl play and lose one match to am. E go back every afternoon afta school until one coach invite am join di team, and e fall in love wit di game. E represent Nigeria for di 2023 FIBA AfroCan and say e go welcome anoda chance to play for di national team.
Di MVP award, Offia tok, belong to Nigerian players wey dey play for di local league. One for di paf dat say dis honour don show say local players fit match di ones wey dey come back from abroad, no matter where dem train. E dedicate di award to im coaches, teammates and everybody wey support am.
Offia say Rivers Hoopers success na because of squad wey commit to collective game and not individual star power. E say teammates dey correct mistake witout ball and e credit di club coaching and discipline for im growth.
