Rivers Hoopers NPBL title recruits Omar Abada, Nikolaos Okekuoyen and Raphiael Putney all played their part as the KingsMen captured their seventh Nigeria Premier Basketball League championship and secured another return to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Twelve days after the historic triumph, the title celebration carries an even more significant meaning for the three international recruits, na weytin Hitvibz dey yan be dat.
While Abada and Okekuoyen experienced their first NPBL championship, Putney added a Nigerian league crown to his previous experience with the Port Harcourt club during their 2025 BAL campaign.
Rivers Hoopers NPBL title recruits made their mark
For a franchise built on a tradition of winning, the addition of international talent proved crucial as the KingsMen reclaimed national supremacy.
Tunisian floor general Omar Abada quickly established himself as one of the team’s most influential players during the Final Four, averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
His 14-to-4 assist-to-turnover ratio also underlined his efficiency and control at the heart of the Hoopers’ offense.
Abada saved some of his best work for the biggest moments. Against the Gboko City Chiefs on Day Two, he led the team with 18 points, including four three-pointers from six attempts, as Rivers Hoopers secured an 88-76 victory that mathematically sealed the NPBL title.
He followed that performance with a superb 17-point, five-rebound, six-assist and three-steal display against the Maktown Flyers in an overtime thriller, earning a place in the NPBL All-Star Five.
“I’m very happy—it was a great experience,” Abada said after lifting his first NPBL trophy. “I really enjoyed my time in Nigeria. People showed me love and gave me a warm welcome, so I’m grateful for that. I’m very happy to win this championship title and qualify Rivers Hoopers for the BAL.”
Okekuoyen brought efficiency off the bench
Nikolaos Okekuoyen offered the Hoopers valuable frontcourt depth while making his opportunities count.
The big man announced himself in the opening game against the Asosky Hawks, scoring 11 points and grabbing four rebounds in just 11 minutes. He shot 80% from the field and went a perfect 100% from three-point range.
His efficient contribution gave the KingsMen another dependable option as they pushed towards the championship.
“It was a great experience for me, being in Nigeria, experiencing the culture and Nigerian basketball,” Okekuoyen said.
“I’m very glad that I said yes to Rivers Hoopers. It’s a huge blessing for me to be a part of this championship-winning team and a part of Rivers Hoopers’ history.”
Three recruits, one championship, lasting memories
For Raphiael Putney, the title represented something slightly different.
The American forward was not new to Rivers Hoopers, having previously featured for the club during their 2025 BAL campaign. His experience therefore gave the squad another layer of leadership as the Hoopers pursued domestic glory.
Despite battling a lingering back issue, Putney contributed defensively while continuing to provide valuable vocal leadership from the court and sidelines.
The eventual NPBL championship gave him his maiden Nigerian league crown and another memorable chapter with the KingsMen.
“I’m really excited to have won the title with Rivers Hoopers,” Putney said. “This club is like family to me. I love being here, and I appreciate the love from the fans and the amazing people within the organization.”
For Abada, Okekuoyen and Putney, the championship was about more than simply adding another trophy to the cabinet.
Abada arrived and quickly became an offensive leader. Okekuoyen provided an efficient spark whenever his number was called, while Putney brought experience, defensive presence and leadership.
Together, the three international recruits helped Rivers Hoopers reclaim the NPBL crown and book another ticket to the BAL.
More importantly, their performances and connection with the Port Harcourt supporters turned them from international recruits into welcomed members of the KingsMen family.
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 6:42 am by Hitvibz Media
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