John Idoga poured in a game-leading 23 points as Rivers Hoopers opened their title defence with a convincing 84-58 win over Hoops & Read in the opening round of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) on Sunday.
The contest took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, with the KingsMen treating it as a first competitive step after coming up short against the Maktown Flyers in the 2025 NPBL Finals.
Quick facts
- Idoga scored 23 points for Rivers Hoopers in a win over Hoops & Read.
- Final score: Rivers Hoopers 84-58 Hoops & Read.
- Venue: Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
- Rivers Hoopers led 37-31 at halftime.
- The KingsMen’s third-quarter surge made it a 20-point game.
- Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo coached in place of Ogoh Odaudu.
- Next match: Rivers Hoopers vs Comets Basketball Club on Monday, May 18.
Hoops & Read stayed close early, edging the first period 17-15 to keep the game in reach. But Rivers Hoopers gained momentum in the second quarter, using disciplined execution to move ahead and carry a 37-31 advantage into the break, with Idoga contributing 16 of his first-half points.
The KingsMen then made their move in the third quarter. Idoga and captain Victor Anthony Koko combined to supply the first 14 points of the half for Rivers Hoopers, and they stretched the gap by outscoring their opponents 30-15 to establish a commanding 20-point buffer.
Once the result was firmly in hand, interim head coach Ronald Alalibo used the final period to rotate his group. Rivers Hoopers continued to control the pace and finished with a comprehensive 26-point margin.
Scoring and reaction
Koko led the rest of the scoring with 18 points, while Abel Offia added 10 for the KingsMen. Three Rivers Hoopers players reached double figures as they delivered their most emphatic start to the new NPBL season.
Despite the comfortable win, Koko underlined that there are still improvements needed. Speaking after the game, he said the victory was positive, but stressed that the roster includes many new faces who must adapt to the team’s playing approach.
Interim coach Alalibo shared a similar message, admitting the side remains a work in progress. He acknowledged that challenges in team chemistry were expected, pointed to a few lapses during the match, and explained that the coaching staff attempted to correct them during the game.
Alalibo, who is typically an assistant coach, is currently directing the team from the sideline while veteran head coach Ogoh Odaudu is unavailable. He described the chance to take charge as a special moment, saying that while coaches anticipate such responsibilities eventually, the experience still feels remarkable.
Rivers Hoopers will continue their campaign on Monday, May 18, when they take on Comets Basketball Club. Alalibo expects a tougher test, adding that the team will focus on handling each match in sequence while recognising that rivals will come hard against them.
