Rivers Hoopers don clinch di 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League title for Port Harcourt, as dem finish di Final Four Playoffs unbeaten at 3-0. 92-90 overtime win ova Maktown Flyers for di decider give dem di crown for dia home ground and send dem return to di Basketball Africa League. Tunisian guard Omar Abada drain clutch two-point basket wey give dem three-point lead wit less dan three minutes remain, as e finish wit 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. Peter Olisemeka post 16-point, 18-rebound double-double. Hoopers don earlier beat Aso Sky Hawks 74-60 and Gboko City Chiefs 88-76.
Di Port Harcourt club don lift seventh domestic league title, wey add to di previous wins for 2011, 2012, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024 after dem surrender di crown to Maktown Flyers di previous season.
Abel Offia, one member of Nigeria 2023 FIBA AfroCan squad, claim MVP honours and say say di award show collective effort. E promise say Rivers Hoopers go campaign well-well for BAL, as e stress say dem need to prepare, stay disciplined and represent Rivers State and Nigeria wit pride.
Offia join Abada and Olisemeka for di All-Tournament Team, alongside Paul Dibal of Aso SkyHawks and Thomas Marcus of Gboko City Chiefs. Di league, wey dem launch on May 16, 2026 by Nigeria Basketball Federation wit 20 teams wey dem split into Atlantic and Savannah conferences, reach high point for di Final 8 from August 29 to September 6.
