Nigeria's representatives at this year’s ongoing Basketball Africa League, the Rivers Hoppers, got a third consequent victory, in its Sahara Conference of the ongoing tournament in Dakar, Senegal, that qualifies the team into the final playoffs, slated to hold in Kigali, Rwanda. 

 

The NBBF, in a statement praised and described the efforts of Rivers Hoppers, as very impressive, and a true reflection of the ongoing efforts of the the NBBF, to develop the game in the country. 

 

The Kingsmen, as the Hoppers are fondly called, were the deserving winners of the 2023 NBBF Premier league and against all odds, have proven to be worthy representatives with their outstanding performances so far, in the elite African basketball league.

 

The statement reads, "We're indeed, happy and proud of the performances of our boys, Rivers Hoppers, in the BAL championship. They have been worthy ambassadors of the game in Nigeria."

 

"As the NBBF, is working assiduously with concerned stakeholders towards a total development of the game in Nigeria, we want to reiterate that the highlighted programmes of the NBBF for 2024 and going forward, would further help to assert Nigeria's pride of place in the continental and global game.

 

The NBBF, once again, reassures all the teams and officials, expected to participate in its various national tournaments of its technical supports, as it earnestly looks forward to a sustainable growth of the game in Nigeria. 

It is on record that no team from Nigeria has ever recorded a single victory in the prestigious tournament and Rivers Hoopers, have changed this dynamics.  As the Commissioner for sports in Rivers state, Barrister Christopher Green, masterminded this historic feat by the Rivers state team, through careful planning and timely release of funds to make the team excel, and of course, in close and effective collaboration with the Chairman of the Rivers State Basketball Chairmen, Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida, who also doubles as the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation ( NBBF), who has recorded some landmark achievements during his tenure with the national teams.