Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Three-time Nigerian Premier League champion, Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club will begin its quest to represent Nigeria for a second time at the Basketball Africa League, with a game against Enugu side, Coal City in Akure.
While action commences on Wednesday, the KingsMen will have to wait until Thursday before they step on the court against their opponents from Enugu.
The KingsMen will play Police Baton on game day three, they will then face off against Lagos Raptors. Games against Camac and Lagos Islanders will follow in their fourth and fifth game respectively.
Rivers Hoopers then complete the fixtures with ties against Invaders, Atlantic Conference rivals Kwara Falcons and hosts – Ondo Raiders.
This phase will span for 8 days (Sept 8-16).
22 teams will take part in the competition for the sole ticket for the 2021 NBA/FIBA Basketball African League.
11 teams from the Atlantic Conference will converge on Akure for the conference phase while 11 teams will be in action in the Savannah Conference in Abuja.
Rivers Hoopers, Kwara Falcons, Raptors, Police Baton, Ondo Raiders, Islanders, Coal City, Impressions, CAMAC, Invaders, and Lagos Warriors will slug it out at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Akure Township stadium.
The Indoor Sports Hall of the Package B (Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja) will play host to Kano Pillars, Niger Potters, Gombe Bulls, Customs, Reformers, Benue Braves, Nigeria Army, City Chiefs, Plateau Peaks, and Bauchi Nets in the Savannah conference.
In a communiqué issued by the Nigeria Basketball Federation to all clubs stated that refusal to honour the 2021 invitation will lead to automatic relegation to the Total Division One.
Players who competed at the just concluded Total National Division One and Two are status barred from competing in the premier league.
