Port Harcourt to host NPBL playoffs

Port Harcourt has been selected as the location for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League playoffs, marking the fourth year in a row that the city will host the event. The revised schedule, approved by the League Management Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, now runs from August 29 to September 6 at the Basketball Stadium located on 59 Niger Street in Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.

NBBF Vice-President and League Chairman Babatunde Ogunade, along with Secretary-General Amina Amanchi, praised the participating teams for their professionalism and performances to date.

The eight-team round-robin tournament will feature four teams from the Atlantic Conference, including Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read, and Lagos Raptors, as well as four representatives from the Savannah Conference: Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs, and Kano Pillars. The round-robin format will see teams compete against each other from August 30 to September 5, followed by the playoffs on September 6.

Rivers Hoopers, the six-time champions, have been focusing intently on preparations for Phase Three, with interim head coach Ronald Alalibo emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mental focus. The coach highlighted that every player on the roster would have a significant role to play as the coaching staff works on improving the team's chemistry and tactical readiness.

Alalibo expressed that every member of the team is crucial to achieving the goal of winning the league, urging the players to give their all mentally, physically, and otherwise.

The playoff match-ups will pit the KingsMen against other Atlantic Conference qualifiers Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read, and Lagos Raptors, as well as Savannah Conference teams Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs, and Kano Pillars. Rivers Hoopers are aiming to reclaim the NPBL title, which they lost to Maktown Flyers last year, who were known as Lagos Legends then.