NPBL: Lagos Legends, Gboko Chiefs and Customs qualify for Final-4 playoffs

Pius Ayinor

The Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final-8 playoff has ended with Lagos Legends, Rivers Hoopers, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs securing their spots in the Final-Four in that order. These teams will not only compete for the championship trophy but also for a coveted place in the Basketball Africa League.

The final day games began on Sunday with a tightly contested clash between Gboko City Chiefs and Hoops and Read. Both teams needed a win to solidify their place in the Final Four, but it was the Chiefs who edged out a narrow 63-62 victory. Gboko led at a point by as high as 20 points. Michael Oriahki had a game-high 16 points.

The second game featured Nigeria Customs against Kano Pillars. Having already defeated fellow contenders Kano Pillars and Nile University earlier in the Savannah Conference Final-Eight qualifiers, Customs sealed the fourth and final ticket with a hard-fought 70-64 win. Customs captain David Godwin scored a game-high 22 points, leading his side to an important win.

In the third game, Nile University faced Lagos Legends. While Nile showed promise, especially in the second quarter with strong defensive plays – blocking shots and grabbing steals – they struggled to convert those efforts into points. The Legends capitalized on this, pulling away in the third quarter and cruising to a dominant 93-63 victory. Patrick Abah showed up big time with a game-high 20 points. He was a torment in Nile’s flesh, flexing on his athleticism, ability to drive to the paint and sink layups.

The last game of the Final Eight saw winless Kwara Falcons take on Rivers Hoopers in a match that was all about pride for the Falcons. Despite starting with intensity, they were handed an 83-69 defeat by the KingsMen.

At the end of the NPBL Final-Eight, Lagos Legends topped the table and followed by Rivers Hoopers with identical records of six wins and one loss each. Gboko City Chiefs secured third place with five wins and two losses, while Nigeria Customs claimed the fourth and final spot, narrowly edging out Kano Pillars and Nile University Spartans who also got 10 points.