Rivers Hoopers, Lagos Legends, Gboko Chiefs, Nigeria Customs Advance to NBPL Super Four
The 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Final Eight concluded in Port Harcourt with Rivers Hoopers, Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs emerging as the four teams to qualify for the Super Four stage.
The week-long tournament, held at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, delivered top-level action as defending champions Rivers Hoopers continued their bid for a third consecutive league title. However, it was Lagos Legends who made the biggest statement, topping the standings with six wins and just one loss, including a crucial victory over the Hoopers that ended the champions’ long unbeaten streak.
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Rivers Hoopers finished second with an identical 6–1 record, recovering from their defeat to the Legends with an 83–69 win against Kwara Falcons to close the round. Gboko City Chiefs claimed third place after edging Hoops & Read 63–62 in a dramatic final match, bringing their tally to five wins and two losses. Nigeria Customs completed the top four, narrowly beating Kano Pillars 64–60 to secure the last qualification spot with three wins and four losses.
Other results on the final day saw Lagos Legends overpower Nile University 93–63, while Rivers Hoopers bounced back strongly to maintain momentum heading into the next phase. The bottom four teams — Nile University, Kano Pillars, Hoops & Read, and Kwara Falcons — were eliminated, finishing fifth to eighth respectively.
The Super Four playoffs are scheduled to take place in three weeks, where the remaining contenders will battle for the national championship and the chance to represent Nigeria in continental competitions.
The Nigerian Basketball Premier League has a long and storied history dating back to the 1990s, with teams like Lagos Islanders, Kano Pillars, Ebun Comets, and Rivers Hoopers dominating different eras. Rivers Hoopers, who have won three of the last four titles, will be aiming to extend their dynasty, while Lagos Legends and Gboko Chiefs seek to challenge their reign and claim their first-ever championship.
As anticipation builds for the Super Four, fans can expect high-intensity basketball, tactical showdowns, and renewed rivalries among Nigeria’s top basketball teams.