Wednesday, June 17, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Kingsmen to begin 2025 NBPL playoffs against Hoops & Read

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Reigning champions, Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club will begin their 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Playoffs (Final Eight) campaign against Hoops & Read.

Following a technical meeting between participating teams and league organisers, which held on Sunday, 26th October, 2025, it was revealed that the defending champions will continue their chase for a third straight league title by rekindling hostilities with last year’s beaten finalists.

Hoops & Read have emerged as contenders for the NBPL title in recent years but have fallen short against the KingsMen in competitive basketball, losing 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 4pm today.

The KingsMen, who are yet unbeaten through the 2025 NBPL season so far, will then navigate games against Kano Pillars, Nigeria Customs, Gboko City Chiefs, Lagos Legends, and Nile University Spartans before wrapping up proceedings against Kwara Falcons, respectively.

All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, N59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.