The Nigeria Premier Basketball League championship chase has narrowed to four elite contenders following Sunday’s dramatic Final Eight conclusion. Defending champions Rivers Hoopers secured their semifinal berth alongside Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs.
Final Four Contenders and Tournament Format
Rivers Hoopers and Lagos Legends dominated group play with identical 6-1 records. Gboko City Chiefs claimed third position with five victories. Nigeria Customs completed the semifinal quartet by edging out Kano Pillars and Nile University Spartans.
The decisive Final Four tournament runs from November 20-24. Teams will compete in a round-robin format. Each squad will face all three opponents once. The championship winner earns qualification for next season’s Basketball Africa League.
Quarterfinal Sunday Highlights
Gboko City Chiefs survived a nerve-wracking 63-62 victory against Hoops & Read. They nearly surrendered a 20-point advantage before Michael Oriahki’s 16-point performance secured their advancement.
Nigeria Customs overcame Kano Pillars 70-64 behind captain David Godwin’s clutch 22-point contribution. His leadership proved vital during the tense final quarter.
Lagos Legends overwhelmed Nile University Spartans 93-63 despite early defensive resistance. Patrick Abah dominated with 20 points, relentlessly attacking the paint throughout the contest.
Defending champions Rivers Hoopers concluded proceedings with an 83-69 win against Kwara Falcons. The Falcons showed early intensity before fading against the titleholders.
All semifinalists now prepare for November’s championship showdown. Rivers Hoopers seek to defend their crown and maintain Nigeria’s Basketball Africa League representation.
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