Port Harcourt Set for Three-Day NPBL Final Four Battle
Port Harcourt is set to host the decisive stage of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) season as the Final Four gets underway today, September 20.
The three-day championship event will bring together Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Gboko City Chiefs and Aso Sky Hawks, with the four teams battling in a round-robin format for the NPBL title.
Unlike a traditional knockout competition, each team will face the other three sides, with the team finishing with the best overall record crowned the 2026 NPBL champion.
There is also an international prize at stake, as the eventual champions will secure Nigeria's spot in the 2027 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.
Hoopers eye home advantage
Six-time NPBL champions Rivers Hoopers will have the backing of the home crowd as they attempt to finish the season with another league title.
The KingsMen enter the Final Four after an impressive 6-1 record in the Final Eight, finishing ahead of defending champions Maktown Flyers on points difference. Maktown also recorded six wins and one defeat.
Head coach Ogoh Odaudu has stressed the importance of mental preparation as his side begins the final stage. The coach says the team has worked on resetting mentally after the disappointment of last season's championship defeat.
Maktown defend their crown
Maktown Flyers arrive in Port Harcourt as the reigning champions and will be looking to retain their title.
Their 6-1 Final Eight record puts them among the leading contenders for another championship, but they will have to navigate three demanding games in a short period.
Gboko City Chiefs and Aso Sky Hawks complete the four-team field after both sides finished the Final Eight with 5-2 records.
For Aso Sky Hawks, reaching the Final Four represents an opportunity to challenge the established teams, while Gboko City Chiefs will be hoping to turn their strong Final Eight campaign into a championship push.
With three days of high-level domestic basketball ahead, the Basketball Stadium in Old Port Harcourt Township will be the centre of attention as Nigeria's top four teams fight for the NPBL crown and a place in the BAL.
The Final Four runs from September 20 to 22, with the champions earning the right to represent Nigeria on the continental stage in 2027.
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