Rivers Hoopers moved closer to another Nigeria Premier Basketball League title after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88–76, while defending champions Maktown Flyers suffered a second consecutive defeat against Asosky Hawks on a dramatic penultimate day of the Final Four.
The result secured Rivers Hoopers’ place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League (BAL) and strengthened their position in the title race ahead of Tuesday’s final round of games, na weytin Hitvibz dey yan be dat.
Rivers Hoopers Secure 2027 BAL Qualification with Commanding Victory
The opening game of the day featured two teams desperate for victory after losing their respective opening-day fixtures. Maktown Flyers and Asosky Hawks knew another defeat would damage their hopes of winning the championship.
Maktown started strongly, taking the first quarter 19–16 and extending their lead to 31–24 during the opening five minutes of the second period.
However, Asosky Hawks gradually found their rhythm. With 2:15 remaining before halftime, the Hawks levelled the score at 36–36, using their defensive pressure and work on the boards to unsettle the defending champions.
Asosky recorded six steals and 21 rebounds, including 15 defensive rebounds, while Maktown committed 12 turnovers. The Hawks capitalised on those mistakes, scoring six points off turnovers during the first half.
Maktown struggled to regain control after the break, trailing 53–60 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter became a battle of resilience. Coach Mike Ikima urged his players to keep things simple, dig deep and maintain their intensity as they attempted to turn the game around.
With less than a minute remaining, Keita Mohammed ended Maktown’s three-minute scoring drought with a two-point basket. A block at the other end offered the defending champions renewed hope, reducing the deficit to 64–70 with 34.1 seconds left.
Asosky responded with defensive resistance of their own, shutting down Maktown’s late resurgence to secure a 72–64 victory.
The Hawks’ defensive performance proved decisive. They scored 28 points off Maktown’s turnovers, while the Flyers failed to register any second-chance points. Asosky added seven second-chance points.
Paul Dibal led all scorers with 19 points.
Rivers Hoopers Pull Away from Gboko City Chiefs
The second game brought another important contest, with both Rivers Hoopers and Gboko City Chiefs battling for a crucial advantage in the championship race.
The 2024 NPBL champions and Basketball Africa League bronze medallists started with purpose, taking a 13–6 lead with five minutes remaining in the opening quarter.
Gboko City Chiefs, however, responded with a determined display. The Benue-based team used fast breaks, turnovers and points in the paint to turn the game around, ending the first quarter with an 19–18 advantage.
Rivers Hoopers regained their momentum in the second quarter, with Johnson Anaye’s three-point buzzer-beater providing a timely boost.
The Kingsmen took control of the contest, eventually establishing a 45–35 lead at halftime. They connected on 12 three-pointers and extended their advantage to as much as 21 points during the game.
Despite Gboko’s efforts to stay competitive, Rivers Hoopers maintained their composure to secure an 88–76 victory.
The win, combined with Maktown Flyers’ 72–64 defeat to Asosky Hawks, confirmed Rivers Hoopers’ qualification for the 2027 Basketball Africa League.
Omar Abada led the Kingsmen with 18 points, while Peter Olisemeka delivered a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Abel Offia contributed 14 points, and Chinedu Nwaogu added 13 points off the bench.
The victory also gave Rivers Hoopers an opportunity to continue their pursuit of redemption following their heartbreaking defeat in the 2025 final.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu praised his team’s dominant performance, while Nwaogu celebrated winning his first league title in just his second professional season.
The Final Four concludes on Tuesday, with Rivers Hoopers facing defending champions Maktown Flyers at 6pm in a rematch of last year’s final.
Before that encounter, Asosky Hawks will face Gboko City Chiefs at 3pm.
With the title race reaching its decisive stage, Rivers Hoopers now have the opportunity to complete their campaign with another NPBL championship.
Last Updated on September 23, 2026 6:13 am by Hitvibz Media
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