₦airaland Forum

Lagos Legends stun Hoopers 74-72 in NBPL finale

By Abiodun Adewale
24th November 2025

Lagos Legends Basketball Club halted Rivers Hoopers’ quest for a third consecutive Nigeria Basketball Premier League title, beating them 74-72 in a nail-biting 2025 Final 4 decider in Port Harcourt on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Both teams came into the final game of the season, chasing next year’s Basketball Africa League ticket after two wins in their opening two matches.

Lagos Legends, who beat Hoopers 80-79 during the final eight last month to end their three-year unbeaten run, started the game like a house on fire, racing to an early lead as Hoopers trailed for most part of the first quarter.

The Hoopers, however, nicked the first quarter 20-19, but they were given a hot chase in the second quarter by Lagos Legends, who ensured they went into the break 32-32.

Rivers Hoopers maintained a tiny lead in the third quarter, keeping the score 52-49, but the Lagos Legends were saving their best for the last.

Lagos Legends rallied late and tied the game 61-61 at some point. They took a one-point lead in another moment before Hoopers pegged them to 70-70 with 39 seconds to the buzzer.

Hoopers got two additional points but the Lagos Legends scored four more points at the death to win the game and prevent the 2024 BAL bronze medallists from winning a third title.

The result also meant Lagos Legends have beaten Hoopers twice in three of their meetings this season. Hoopers’ only win over them was 89-70 during the Inter-Group Phase.

Ultimately, Lagos Legends have also picked the ticket to next year’s BAL, taking over from Rivers Hoopers who have attended the last two editions.

Elephant Girls Stay Unbeaten After Stunning FBA In The WBLA Zone 3 Qualifiers

Nigerian representatives First Bank Basketball Club registered a solid comeback against home side Friend's Basketball Association as they closed out with a 63-59 at the ongoing Women Basketball League Africa Qualifiers to stay perfect.

November 23, 2025

Elephant Girls Stay Unbeaten After Stunning FBA In The WBLA Zone 3 Qualifiers

After a rocky opening that had them chasing shadows by the end of the first quarter, Nigerian representatives First Bank Basketball Club roared back to life in the second, flipping the script and grinding out a thrilling 63–59 win over their Ivorian counterparts, Friends Basketball Association, at the ongoing Women’s Basketball League Africa Qualifiers.

The Elephant Girls looked headed for disaster in their final group game as FBA came out blazing—relentless, fiery, and fully locked in. The Ivorians stunned the Nigerians with a blistering 16–0 run, striking with ruthless precision and sending First Bank spiraling. In what felt like seconds, the Nigerian champions found themselves buried in a 16-point crater, trailing 26–10 after the opening quarter.

But champions rise.

Wandoo Hembam, Godgift Joseph, Momololuwa Tewogbade, and Abigail Isaac combined for 36 crucial points, while standout performer Daphne Olugbagho powered her side with 11 points and two rebounds. On the other end, Zykera Rice was unstoppable—dropping a game-high 21 points and six rebounds—but her brilliance wasn’t enough to save FBA from what came next.

Nothing seemed to click for First Bank early on. Shots clanged out, turnovers piled up, and the team that had dominated its opening two games suddenly looked out of rhythm. But you don’t earn the title of “giant” without knowing how to claw your way back—and the Elephant Girls did exactly that.

The comeback didn’t erupt all at once; it simmered into form in the second quarter. First Bank tightened their defense, steadied their nerves, and delivered a clean 10–0 run that changed the temperature of the game. The energy shifted—palpable, powerful—and by halftime, the once-massive 16-point deficit had shrunk to a manageable three, with FBA leading only 37–34.

Momentum fully flipped in the third quarter, turning the contest into a gritty, back-and-forth battle. Possessions were intense, defense tightened on both sides, and though buckets were harder to come by, First Bank nudged ahead by taking the quarter 15–9.

The fourth quarter began with the Nigerians leading 49–46, and it quickly became a defining stretch for both teams. The lead changed hands multiple times, tension tightening with every possession. With five minutes left, the game hung on a razor’s edge—a single point separating the sides. And then came the dagger.
Theresa Ebiegea stepped up and delivered a cold-blooded three-pointer that put First Bank ahead for good. A final defensive stand and two clutch fast-break finishes sealed the comeback, capping a gritty, nerve-clenching 63–59 victory.

The final buzzer didn’t just confirm a win—it affirmed the heart, depth, and championship mentality of a team that refused to crumble even when the night turned stormy.

Statistically, it was a tale of contrasts. FBA leveraged their speed and inside presence to win the Fast Break battle (12–9) and Points in the Paint (26–20). But First Bank dominated the glass, converting that advantage into a commanding edge in Second Chance Points (17–9). Both teams forced turnovers effectively, with FBA holding a slim 14–12 advantage, but it was the Nigerians who made the moments that mattered most.

DomPerignon:
Well, kanu can appeal to reopen his case citing ineffective representation .

Maybe if the Appeal Court is considerate , they can rule on a mistrial based on incompetent representation .

But that won't set aside the current conviction tho.

Kanu should then be able to enter a plea bargain and plead to lesser crimes and if his allowed in court show humility .