Hoopers, Flyers, Chiefs, Skyhawks Book NPBL Final Four Tickets

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

The four teams will now compete for the NPBL championship and a place in the Basketball Africa League after seven days of intense competition.

Six-time champions Rivers Hoopers advanced despite suffering a 74-67 defeat to Aso Skyhawks in their final game of the Final 8. The hosts were involved in a closely contested encounter, but the Skyhawks produced a strong performance to claim an impressive victory and seal their own place in the last four.

Reigning champions Maktown Flyers and Gboko City Chiefs also secured qualification, joining Hoopers and Skyhawks among the four teams that survived the Final 8.

On the final day, Kano Pillars ended their campaign on a positive note by defeating Hoops and Read for their second victory of the competition. Both teams had been searching for another win, but Pillars emerged on top.

Lagos Raptors also pushed Gboko City Chiefs before eventually falling 78-76. The Raptors, who had nothing but pride to play for, established a 10-point advantage at one stage and led 35-31 at halftime.

However, a three-pointer by Marcus Thomas Jr. at the buzzer reduced the deficit to one point before the Chiefs eventually completed their comeback.

In another decisive encounter, 313 Warriors mounted a strong challenge against defending champions Maktown Flyers after falling behind 24-9 in the opening quarter. They reduced the deficit to five points early in the fourth quarter, but the defending champions held on to win.

With the Final 8 now concluded, Hoopers, Flyers, Chiefs and Skyhawks will turn their attention to the decisive stage of the competition as they chase the NPBL title and a place in the Basketball Africa League.

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