Port Harcourt Set to Host Fourth Straight NPBL Playoffs from August 29

Posted : 23 August 2026

Port Harcourt will host the Nigeria Premier Basketball League Phase Three playoffs for the fourth consecutive year after the Nigeria Basketball Federation adjusted the dates for the decisive stage of the 2026 season. The Final Eight will take place from August 29 to September 6 at the Indoor Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.

The playoffs were initially scheduled for August 22 to 29. Under the revised programme, the eight qualified teams will arrive in Port Harcourt on August 29 for technical meetings, with competitive action beginning on August 30 and running until September 5.

The eight teams qualified from the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences after progressing through the earlier phases. The Atlantic Conference will be represented by Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read and Lagos Raptors, while Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs and Kano Pillars will represent the Savannah Conference.

The teams will compete in a round-robin format to determine the league's leading sides. Rivers Hoopers enter the Final Eight as defending champions and will be among the leading contenders for another national title.

The Port Harcourt club has also been preparing intensely for the playoffs. Coach Ogoh Odaudu's team has relied on contributions from captain Victor Koko, Buchi Vincent, John Idoga, Abel Offia and Chinedu Nwaogu, while the depth of the squad has been identified as one of its strengths.

Rivers Hoopers' presence adds further significance to the tournament for the host city. The club has enjoyed a strong record in recent Nigerian basketball, winning the league in 2024 before Lagos Legends, now operating as Maktown Flyers, claimed the 2025 championship.

Maktown Flyers will therefore arrive with their own championship pedigree, while Hoops & Read and Lagos Raptors will be determined to challenge the established contenders. The Savannah representatives also bring different ambitions, with Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs and Kano Pillars looking to make the most of their opportunity on the national stage.

Port Harcourt has become a familiar destination for the league's decisive stages. The city previously hosted the NPBL Final Eight and Final Four, making the Indoor Basketball Stadium a known setting for players, coaches and supporters. The continued hosting rights also reinforce Rivers State's position as one of Nigeria's important basketball centres.

The eight teams are expected to depart Port Harcourt on September 6 after the competition concludes. With the defending champions facing seven determined challengers, the Final Eight promises a demanding battle for the 2026 NPBL crown.

Port Harcourt Set to Host Fourth Straight NPBL Playoffs from August 29

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