Hoopers, Legends, Chiefs, Customs Set For Explosive Final Four Showdown As Race For BAL Ticket Intensifies
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
THE battle for supremacy in Nigerian basketball has reached fever pitch as Rivers Hoopers, Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs sealed their spots in the 2025 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final Four, setting the stage for a fierce fight for national glory — and the coveted ticket to represent Nigeria at the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The Final Four, slated for 20–24 November 2025, will see the four elite teams clash in a round-robin format, where every point, rebound, and possession could decide who wears the national crown and flies Nigeria’s flag on the continental stage.
Dominant Hoopers and Legends Lead the Pack
Defending champions Rivers Hoopers and high-flying Lagos Legends finished joint top of the Final Eight standings, each posting an impressive six wins and one loss. Both sides showcased consistency and composure, underlining their status as the teams to beat heading into the final stretch.
Gboko City Chiefs followed closely in third with five wins, displaying grit and tactical discipline, while Nigeria Customs completed the quartet in dramatic fashion, edging out Kano Pillars and Nile University Spartans for the last available slot.
Final Eight: Drama, Comebacks, and Clutch Performances
The concluding day of the Final Eight delivered edge-of-the-seat action as teams battled fiercely for qualification.
In the opening game, Gboko City Chiefs narrowly escaped a late collapse to defeat Hoops & Read 63–62. The Chiefs had led by as many as 20 points before a late surge by Hoops & Read threatened to overturn the game. However, Michael Oriahki’s 16 points and composure under pressure saw Gboko through to the Final Four.
Nigeria Customs then produced one of the tournament’s most hard-fought wins, overcoming the experienced Kano Pillars 70–64. Captain David Godwin was the hero of the day, dropping 22 points and orchestrating the game’s tempo with commanding leadership and accurate shooting.
Lagos Legends followed up with a dominant display, dismantling Nile University Spartans 93–63. After a brief second-quarter lull, the Legends roared back in the third period behind a sparkling performance from Patrick Abah, who delivered 20 points and spearheaded a relentless offensive assault.
The day’s final encounter saw Rivers Hoopers remind everyone why they are champions, dispatching Kwara Falcons 83–69. Despite an energetic start by the Falcons, the Hoopers’ experience, depth, and clinical execution proved decisive.
Eyes on the Prize: BAL Ticket at Stake
With the Final Four now locked in, anticipation is mounting across the Nigerian basketball scene. Beyond the prestige of lifting the NPBL trophy, the stakes have never been higher — only one team will punch its ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League, the continent’s premier club competition.
Fans are already marking their calendars as Hoopers, Legends, Chiefs, and Customs prepare for a week of tactical brilliance, heated rivalries, and unforgettable basketball moments.
When the first tip-off comes in November, it won’t just be about points or titles — it will be about pride, representation, and the right to call oneself Nigeria’s finest on the African stage.
