Hoopers crowned NPBL champions after Maktown slip-up
Rivers Hoopers are champions of Nigeria once again.
The Port Harcourt-based side clinched the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League title on Monday after an 88-76 victory over Gboko City Chiefs at the NPBL Final Four, ending the championship hopes of defending champions Maktown Flyers in the process.
Hoopers’ triumph was set up earlier in the day when Aso Sky Hawks defeated Maktown 72-64, leaving the defending champions unable to keep pace with the 2024 champions.
It was a painful afternoon for Maktown, who needed a victory to remain in the title race.
The defending champions appeared on course for a positive result after taking the first quarter 19-16 and moving seven points clear in the second. Aso, however, gradually turned the contest around.
The Hawks levelled at 36-36 late in the second quarter before their defence began to dictate the contest.
Aso forced Maktown into 12 turnovers before halftime and finished the opening half with six steals and 21 rebounds. The pressure continued after the interval, with the Hawks taking a 60-53 advantage into the final quarter.
Maktown attempted to rally in the closing stages, but Aso refused to surrender control.
Keita Mohammed’s basket with 34.1 seconds remaining reduced the deficit to six points at 70-64, but the comeback never materialised.
Aso closed out the 72-64 win, with Paul Dibal producing a game-high 19 points.
The victory meant Hoopers knew exactly what was required when they stepped onto the court against Gboko later in the evening: win, and the championship was theirs.
Gboko initially threatened to spoil the celebration.
Hoopers established a 13-6 lead early, only for the Chiefs to respond with a spirited offensive burst. Their transition play, points in the paint and ability to punish turnovers saw them move in front and finish the opening quarter 19-18 ahead.
That, however, proved to be their high point.
Johnson Anaye’s three-pointer at the end of the first quarter provided Hoopers with the spark they needed. The champions took command in the second period, opened a 10-point halftime advantage at 45-35 and steadily pulled away thereafter.
Their perimeter shooting was particularly effective, with Hoopers connecting on 12 three-pointers as they built a lead of as many as 21 points.
Gboko refused to completely disappear from the contest but could not produce the kind of comeback that had rescued them earlier in the game.
Hoopers eventually crossed the finish line 88-76 winners and champions.
Omar Abada led the scoring for the new champions with 18 points, while Peter Olisemeka combined 14 points with 12 rebounds for a double-double. Abel Offia also contributed 14 points, with Chinedu Nwaogu adding 13 off the bench.
The championship represents another return to the top for Hoopers after they surrendered the title in last year’s final. It also gives the Port Harcourt club a second league crown in three seasons and a place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League.
For Nwaogu, the success carries a personal significance, as the title is his first at professional level in only his second season.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu also hailed the team’s effort after Hoopers completed their title-winning campaign in front of their home supporters.
The Final Four will conclude on Tuesday.
Hoopers will face Maktown Flyers at 6pm in a rematch of last year’s championship final, while Aso Sky Hawks meet Gboko City Chiefs at 3pm.
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