Rivers Hoopers and Maktown Flyers recorded opening wins at the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final 8 playoffs in Port Harcourt on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The competition, scheduled for August 29 to September 6, got underway at the Basketball Stadium, Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with four fixtures taking place on the opening day.
Six-time champions Rivers Hoopers, playing on home court, defeated seven-time champions Kano Pillars 84–71. Kano Pillars kept the hosts within reach for much of the game before Rivers Hoopers pulled away in the closing stages to secure the victory.
Maktown Flyers, the reigning champions, overcame Gboko City Chiefs 90–84 in overtime. The sides were level at the end of regulation, but the defending champions produced the stronger display in the extra period to seal the win.
313 Warriors marked their first Final 8 appearance with a convincing 79–57 victory over Lagos Raptors. The Warriors built their lead as the game progressed and comfortably saw out the contest to register an impressive debut win.
Aso Skyhawks also made a winning start to their first Final 8 campaign, defeating Hoops & Reads 63–57. The debutants held their advantage in the closing stages to secure a six-point victory.
Image: Trendy Faith
