Rivers Hoopers forward Peter Olisemeka has expressed his delight after helping the Port Harcourt side reclaim the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title and secure Nigeria’s ticket to the 2027 Basketball Africa League.
The KingsMen returned to the summit of Nigerian basketball after an unbeaten Final Four campaign in Port Harcourt, securing their seventh NPBL championship and avenging last season’s painful title defeat to Maktown Flyers.
For Olisemeka, who described the season as personally challenging, finishing it with another domestic crown and qualification for Africa’s premier club competition provided a satisfying conclusion.
“I’m excited that we won the championship and qualified for the BAL,” Olisemeka said. “It has been a challenging season for me personally, but I’m happy that at the end of the day we achieved our goal.”
The experienced forward played an important role in the title-clinching 88-76 victory over Gboko City Chiefs, recording a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing five assists.
Hoopers then completed their perfect Final Four run with a dramatic 92-90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers, the team that had beaten them 74-72 in last season’s championship decider.
Attention is now turning towards the BAL, where Olisemeka hopes Rivers Hoopers can begin preparations early enough to mount a strong continental campaign.
“I can’t wait to play in the BAL again,” he said, stressing the importance of putting the necessary preparations in place before the competition begins.
Rivers Hoopers return to the BAL after a one-season absence, having previously finished third in the 2024 edition, their best performance in the competition.
With the Nigerian title reclaimed, Olisemeka believes the next challenge is ensuring the KingsMen are properly prepared to carry the country’s flag on the continental stage in 2027.
