Port Harcourt to host NPBL playoffs for fourth consecutive year

Port Harcourt has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive year the city will stage the event. The League Management Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation announced a slight adjustment to the schedule, moving the playoffs, also known as Phase Three, from August 22–29 to August 29–September 6.

The tournament will be held at the Basketball Stadium on 59 Niger Street in Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State. NBBF Vice-President and League Chairman Babatunde Ogunade, along with Secretary-General Amina Amanchi, commended the qualifying teams for their performance. Participating teams are expected to arrive on August 29 for technical meetings, with games running from August 30 to September 5, followed by departures on September 6.

This year's eight-team round-robin tournament features four qualifiers from the Atlantic Conference: Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read, and Lagos Raptors. They will compete against Savannah Conference representatives Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs, and Kano Pillars.

Six-time champions Rivers Hoopers, also known as The KingsMen, have intensified their preparations. Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo stressed the importance of squad unity and mental focus. "It’s very important because at this time, every person is key to our goal in this year’s Basketball Premier League," Alalibo stated. "Everybody needs to work together mentally, physically and otherwise."

The Hoopers are aiming to reclaim the NPBL title after being dethroned by Maktown Flyers (formerly Lagos Legends) last year. The team had strong showings in Phases One and Two, with 4-1 and 6-1 records respectively, and are targeting a return to the top of Nigerian basketball.

“

It’s very important because at this time, every person is key to our goal in this year’s Basketball Premier League. Everybody is important to us, and everybody needs to be on the ground. Not just being on the ground, you have to come 100 per cent with our set goal in your heart, that we are here to win the league. Everybody needs to work together mentally, physically and otherwise.