Defending champions, Rivers Hoopers will meet Hoops & Read, with Lagos Legends battling against Nigeria Customs in the opening games of the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Final Eight Playoffs, which tips off today in Port Harcourt.

The draws were decided at the technical meeting held yesterday with all the teams in attendance.
In other games of the opening day scheduled to be held at the Basketball Stadium, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Nile University will meet Kwara Falcons, while Kano Pillars will slug it out with Gboko City Chiefs.

Rivers Hoopers have won the last three editions of the NBPL with Hoops & Read their closest rivals.
They defeated Hoops & Read in their last three meetings, with the most recent being a 67-58 loss at the start of this year’s Inter-Group Phase.

The latest installment in what is now a growing rivalry is expected to tip off by 4.00 p.m. today.