Rivers Hoopers set to launch NBPL title Defense against Kwara Falcons on Monday
Reigning Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) champions, Rivers Hoopers, will begin their 2025 title defense on Monday, September 1, with a high-stakes clash against former champions Kwara Falcons.
The fixture marks the opening game of Group B in the Atlantic Conference and will tip off at 4:00 PM at the Indoor Basketball Court, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.
Originally drawn alongside Oluyole Warriors and Delta Force, Group B has been reduced to just two teams following the withdrawal of both clubs from the 2025 NBPL season.
As a result, Rivers Hoopers and Kwara Falcons will face each other in a home-and-away format to determine progression to the Inter-Group Phase.
The reverse fixture is expected to take place within days of the opener, with both teams aiming to secure momentum ahead of the next stage of the competition.
In accordance with NBPL regulations, all group stage matches are played on a home-and-away basis.
The top teams from each conference will then converge at a central venue for the Inter-Group Phase, scheduled to run from September 24 to October 5 in Port Harcourt.
Rivers Hoopers enter the season as defending champions, having dominated the 2024 campaign.
Their path to the title included a resounding 104–46 victory over Kwara Falcons during the Atlantic Conference Phase, followed by an emphatic 89–34 win in the Final 8, also held in Port Harcourt.
