Rivers Hoopers Clinch NBBF Title, Secure BAL Ticket

By Sunny Canto 

Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club, popularly known as the “Kingsmen”, have emerged champions of the 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Men’s Championship, securing Nigeria’s sole ticket to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The Port Harcourt-based side sealed the championship after a determined campaign marked by experience, discipline and consistency, further cementing their status as one of the most successful basketball franchises in Nigerian sports.

The 2026 triumph adds to an impressive domestic record for Rivers Hoopers, who have now won the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title seven times — in 2011, 2012, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2026.

The Kingsmen have also established themselves on the continental stage, becoming the first Nigerian club side to reach the podium at the Basketball Africa League after winning the bronze medal in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024.

In the same year, Rivers Hoopers topped the Sahara Conference group stage in Dakar, Senegal, emerging as conference champions after defeating several of Africa’s leading basketball teams.

The club also represented Nigeria in the inaugural edition of the Basketball Africa League in 2021, marking its entry into the continent’s elite club competition.

Beyond the BAL, Rivers Hoopers have enjoyed success in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 club tournament, winning the competition multiple times and strengthening their reputation as a dominant force in West African basketball.

The club has also lifted several national and pre-season trophies, including the Chief of Defence Staff Basketball Cup, Crown Elite Sports Basketball Championship and Louis Edem Foundation Basketball Championship.

With their latest NBBF championship secured, Rivers Hoopers will now represent Nigeria at the forthcoming Basketball Africa League in Kigali, Rwanda, where they will seek to build on their historic continental achievements.