Rivers Hoopers’ thrilling 92-90 overtime win over Maktown Flyers in the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Four continues to receive praise from basketball enthusiasts in Port Harcourt, with supporters hailing the success as a well-earned redemption for the club.
The KingsMen had already clinched their seventh NPBL championship with a game remaining after beating Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 last Monday. They ended their campaign on another hard-fought note, defeating Maktown Flyers at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
The two teams were unable to create a clear gap during regulation time, sending the contest into overtime. The hosts remained composed in the extra period to claim a narrow two-point win and finish the Final Four without a defeat.
The result saw Hoopers return to the top of Nigerian basketball after entering the Final Four as leaders of the Final Eight standings with a 6-1 record. Maktown Flyers also finished with a 6-1 record but were placed second based on points difference.
The championship also served as a form of redemption for the Port Harcourt-based outfit, following their 74-72 defeat to Maktown in last season’s final, when the team competed under the name Lagos Legends.
Afiemo Obaro, spokesperson for the Hoopers supporters’ group, said the latest victory was especially significant given the disappointment of the previous season.
“Last season, Maktown, then competing as Lagos Legends, defeated Rivers Hoopers 74-72 in the NPBL championship game. This time, however, the Hoopers prevailed in another closely fought contest, reclaiming the domestic crown on home soil. It was a deserving redemption title and return to the Basketball Africa League,” Obaro said.
“One week on, the result stands as the fitting conclusion to Rivers Hoopers’ return to the top of Nigerian basketball, NPBL champions once again, unbeaten in the Final Four and headed back to the BAL.”
The championship represents Rivers Hoopers’ seventh league crown and guarantees their qualification for the 2027 Basketball Africa League, marking their return to continental competition after sitting out the previous season.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu has already begun looking ahead to the BAL campaign, although he noted that the team would first take time to celebrate its domestic achievement.
“We are going to surely celebrate this one, but I promise you that we will prepare adequately for the BAL,” Odaudu said.
The club also hosted a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt on Sunday to mark the championship success.
