Rivers Hoopers, Flyers, Chiefs and Skyhawks Reach NPBL Final Four

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Gboko City Chiefs and debutants Aso Skyhawks have secured their places in the Final Four of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) following the conclusion of the Final 8 in Port Harcourt.

The four teams will now battle for the NPBL championship and a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after seven days of intense competition that produced several thrilling encounters and notable surprises.

Six-time champions Rivers Hoopers booked their semi-final ticket despite ending the Final 8 with a 74-67 defeat to debutants Aso Skyhawks.

The hosts were involved in an entertaining contest against the newcomers, who produced an impressive performance to finish their Final 8 campaign on a high and secure their own place among the league’s final four teams.

Reigning champions Maktown Flyers and Gboko City Chiefs also advanced, completing the quartet that will compete for the league crown.

On the final day, teams outside the qualification positions bowed out after giving their best in the decisive fixtures.

Kano Pillars ended their Final 8 campaign with a second victory after defeating Hoops and Read. Both sides were searching for their second win of the competition, but Pillars emerged victorious.

Lagos Raptors also pushed Gboko City Chiefs all the way despite entering the contest as underdogs.

The Raptors built a 10-point advantage and went into halftime with a 35-31 lead. However, Marcus Thomas Jr. drained a three-pointer at the buzzer to cut the deficit to one point, making it 35-34.

The closely fought contest continued into the final stages before Gboko City Chiefs eventually secured a narrow 78-76 victory.

In another exciting encounter, 313 Warriors mounted a strong challenge against defending champions Rivers Hoopers after falling behind 24-9 during a difficult opening spell.

The Warriors fought back strongly and, five minutes into the fourth quarter, had reduced the deficit to just five points. Hoopers, however, maintained their composure and held on for a 64-54 victory.

With the Final 8 now concluded, Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Gboko City Chiefs and Aso Skyhawks will shift their focus to the Final Four, where the NPBL title and a place in the Basketball Africa League will be at stake.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation is expected to announce the date and venue for the Final Four decider later.