Rivers Hoopers have once again earned the right to represent Nigeria at the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) after securing their sixth Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title.
The Port Harcourt-based team delivered a dominant 71-54 victory over Hoops and Read Basketball Club in the NPBL playoffs final on Monday in Port Harcourt.
Kelvin Amayo was the standout performer for the Hoopers, contributing 29 points, two assists, and one rebound. Amayo’s impact was especially pronounced in the first half, where he scored 20 of his points, setting the tone for the team’s commanding win.
The Hoopers capped off their 2024 NPBL campaign with a flawless 12-0 record, encompassing victories from the Conference finals through to the playoffs.
Lagos-based Hoops and Read, who defeated Nile University Spartans in the semifinals, attempted to challenge the reigning champions early on. The first quarter ended 24-18 in favor of the Hoopers. By halftime, the gap narrowed slightly, with the scoreboard reading 34-29. However, Rivers Hoopers pulled away decisively in the third quarter, leading 51-41 before sealing the game at 71-54.
Rivers Hoopers’ qualification for the 2025 BAL follows their historic achievement earlier this year, where they became the first Nigerian team to make the podium. They secured third place at the BAL by defeating Cape Town Tigers 80-57 in Kigali.
The victory reaffirms the Hoopers’ dominance in Nigerian basketball and sets the stage for another exciting campaign on the continental stage.
