Hosts Rivers Hoopers held their nerve to defeat arch-rivals Gboko City Chiefs 66–61 on Friday’s opening day of the Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Final 4 playoffs in Port Harcourt.

Knowing the matchup could be their toughest test on the path to a potential three-peat, the Hoopers battled from tip-off to the last possession, earning a thoroughly deserved victory.

Peter Olisemeka delivered arguably his best performance in Hoopers colours, posting 13 points and 11 rebounds to inspire the champions to a statement win.

Coach Ogoh Odaudu’s side led at the end of every quarter and showed composure in the final stretch to close out a tight contest, giving themselves valuable momentum ahead of Saturday’s clash against Nigeria Customs.

Victor Sunday added 10 points, while Kelvin Amayo and Malik Miller contributed 9 points each for the Hoopers, who have now secured back-to-back postseason victories over the Chiefs.

For Gboko City Chiefs, Paul Dibal stood out with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, but his effort was not enough to turn the game around for his side.

In the day’s earlier fixture, Lagos Legends held off a late surge from Nigeria Customs to claim a commanding 93–75 victory, setting themselves up strongly for their remaining two games.

Patrick Abah led all scorers with 19 points, while team captain Bright Akuetie added 15 points to power Legends to an impressive win.

For Customs, David Godwin topped the charts with 18 points, with Oghenetega David and Favour Aboje chipping in 17 and 15 points respectively.

Day 2 action will see Lagos Legends take on Gboko City Chiefs in the opening game, before hosts and defending champions Rivers Hoopers square up against Nigeria Customs in the evening matchup.

All games are being played at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, Port Harcourt.