JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Twelve days ago, when Rivers Hoopers celebrated its seventh Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title, the highlight also brought a significant milestone for three KingsMen for whom the coronation marked their first ever NPBL championship triumph. International recruits Omar Abada, Nikolaos Okekuoyen and Raphiael Putney capped off a flawless debut season in Nigerian basketball with a special lifting of the trophy, cementing an instant bond with the Port Harcourt crowd.
For a franchise built on a tradition of winning, the infusion of international talent proved to be the ultimate catalyst in reclaiming domestic supremacy and securing a return ticket to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Tunisian floor general Omar Abada was the engine of the Hoopers’ offense during the Final Four, averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, operating at an exceptional 14-to-4 assist-per-turnover ratio, saving his best for the highest-stakes moments.
On day two against the Gboko City Chiefs, he scored a team-high 18 points, making 4 of 6 three-pointers, to secure an 88-76 victory that locked up the title. He then backed it up with a complete performance of 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in an overtime thriller against the Maktown Flyers to earn a spot in the NPBL All-Star Five.
“I’m very happy, it was a great experience,” Abada said after lifting his first NPBL trophy. “I really enjoyed my time in Nigeria. The people showed me love and gave me a warm welcome, so I’m grateful for that. I’m very happy to win this title and qualify the Rivers Hoopers for the BAL.”
Off the bench, Nikolaos Okekuoyen provided crucial frontcourt depth and ultra-efficient scoring. In the season opener against the Asosky Hawks, the big man set the tone for his first run at the NPBL title by collecting 11 points and 4 rebounds in just 11 minutes, shooting 80% from the floor and a perfect 100% from deep.
“It was a great experience for me, being in Nigeria, experiencing Nigerian culture and basketball,” Okekuoyen said. “I am very happy that I said yes to the Rivers Hoopers. It is a great blessing for me to be part of this championship winning team and part of the history of the Rivers Hoopers.”
American forward Raphiael Putney brought vital experience to the team, drawing on his history with the franchise during the 2025 BAL season. Battling a lingering back issue, Putney anchored the defense on the field and provided crucial vocal leadership from the sidelines to claim his first Nigerian League crown.
“I’m really excited to win the title with Rivers Hoopers,” Putney said. “This club is like a family to me. I love being here and I appreciate the love of the fans and the amazing people within the organization.”
Winning a championship in your debut season is rare, but doing so while immediately capturing the adoration of the club’s passionate fans makes the achievement truly remarkable. For Abada, Okekuoyen and Putney, conquering Nigerian basketball on the first try didn’t simply add another trophy to the cabinet: it transformed three rookie players into adopted local heroes, forever embedding them in the hearts and history of the KingsMen.
