IDOGA SHINES AS KINGSMEN TRUMP FALCONS FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE NPBL PHASE TWO VICTORY

Rivers Hoopers extended their winning streak to four games with an 82-62 victory over Kwara Falcons on Tuesday in phase two of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL).

The Rivers Hoopers opened the game at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium with a 10-0 run, but the Kwara Falcons recovered to take an 18-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Rivers responded with a 13-2 run early in the second period, outscoring Kwara 24-15, while John Idoga and Victor Sunday combined for 16 straight points during a second-quarter surge, helping the KingsMen take an eight-point lead into halftime.

The Rivers Hoopers tightened their control of the game after the break, closing the third quarter 21-10 and closing the final quarter 20-19 to secure the 20-point victory.

Idoga led all scorers with 21 points, matching his tally from the previous game against Hoops & Read. The forward who sparked the attack early, scoring his team’s first eight points and finishing the first half with 17, gave credit to his teammates.

“It all comes down to teamwork,” Idoga said. “We all came here to win and play our best basketball. Without my teammates, I wouldn’t have scored as many points as I did. Credit goes to them for setting blocks, providing timely passes and covering up for my mistakes.”

He contributed 14 points to the win on Sunday, while Chinedu Nwaogu added 12, including a late 3-pointer to cap the scoring a day after his birthday. Anaiye Johnson and Buchi Vincent added nine points each for Rivers Hoopers, who sank six 3-pointers on the day.

The KingsMen secured the win despite missing key personnel, as Abel Offia was sidelined with illness and team captain Victor Koko remained out with a back injury.

Reacting to the performance, Rivers Hoopers assistant coach Victor James praised his team’s resilience as the grueling schedule begins to take its toll.

“I was pleased with the team’s work,” James said. “We’ve played four games in a row and the tiredness is starting to show. But I liked the fact that we worked together as a team with the right commitment, pushing ourselves to secure this victory.”

James was active on the sideline throughout the game, often changing his team’s spacing to counter offensive stagnation.

“There were some important adjustments I had to make to the players during the match, especially in defense and attack,” James added. “At times we struggled to execute because we had too many players crowded into the lane. I had to make them understand that we needed to space ourselves out to allow easy access to drive and make extra passes.”

Rivers Hoopers will face Rivers-based side Athletes 4 Peace in the fifth match of Phase Two of the NPBL on Wednesday, with James indicating his team will look to capitalize on their veteran advantage in the upcoming derby.

“We’ll approach the game the same way, but I think we’ll be more composed,” James said. “The 4 Peace athletes are a good team, but they are largely inexperienced. We have talented and experienced players and we intend to use this advantage.”