Rivers Hoopers back where we belong – Odaudu

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Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu says the club are back where they belong after reclaiming the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title with a game to spare at the 2026 title playoffs in Port Harcourt, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The Hoopers reclaimed the NPBL crown on Monday, draining 12 three-pointers to dismantle Gboko City Chiefs 88-76 on Day Two of the 2026 Final Four and secure the championship with a game to spare.

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Coupled with Maktown Flyers’ 72-64 defeat to Aso Sky Hawks earlier in the day, the victory guaranteed the KingsMen’s return to the top as NPBL champions, while also securing their place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League.

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Tuesday’s final game confirmed the crowning of the Rivers Hoopers for the seventh time in the league’s history.

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Having suffered an agonising two-point defeat, 74-72, to Maktown Flyers in the final seconds of last season’s championship game on home soil, Odaudu celebrated the redemption at the final buzzer.

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“I’m really, really happy,” Odaudu said.

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“We had a heartbreak at home here last season, and we didn’t want thunder to strike in the same place twice. We put up a good fight, and right now I’m really happy for the boys, happy for the crowd, happy for Rivers State, and happy that we’re back where we’re supposed to be.

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“We didn’t want to keep the game close and let it go down to the wire. We wanted to blow them out and ensure that we had control of the game, and the players played it to perfection. I’m really, really proud of them.”

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The Chiefs edged ahead early and held a four-point advantage late in the opening period, but a sensational half-court buzzer-beater from Anaiye Johnson cut the deficit to 19-18 at the end of the first quarter.

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The KingsMen seized the momentum immediately in the second quarter, with Chinedu Nwaogu drilling a three-pointer to level the game at 21-21 before drawing a foul and converting both free throws to give Hoopers a lead they would not relinquish.

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Abel Offia followed with a corner three-pointer to extend the advantage to 32-27, sparking wild celebrations from the crowd as the Hoopers dominated the second quarter to take a 45-35 lead into halftime.

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Rivers Hoopers continued their barrage from long range after the break, hitting seven three-pointers in the second half to build a commanding 21-point lead at 88-67 before comfortably running down the clock in the closing minutes.

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The victory marked the Hoopers’ seventh consecutive win over Gboko City Chiefs, following an 83-65 overtime victory during the playoff phase.

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Tunisian playmaker Omar Abada spearheaded the attack with a team-high 18 points and three assists, while shooting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.

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Peter Olisemeka recorded a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while Offia added 14 points, six rebounds and four three-pointers.

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Nwaogu provided vital energy off the bench with 13 points, John Idoga chipped in 10, while Buchi Nwaiwu anchored the boards with seven points and 11 rebounds.

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