By DUNG CHUNG
The 2026 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Men’s Premier League got underway in Jos, with Plateau Peaks making a strong early statement in Phase 1, Group B of the Northern Savannah Conference at the National Sports Commission venue, Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The week-long fixtures marked the opening phase of the Northern Savannah Conference as teams battle for early momentum in the new season, with qualification to the final round at stake.
Five clubs are competing in Group B of the Northern Savannah Conference: Plateau Peaks, Kano Pillars, Gombe Bulls, 313 of Niger State and Bauchi NETS.
The teams are competing in a round-robin format, with the top four sides set to progress to the final phase of the Northern Savannah Conference, where they will face qualifiers from the Southern Atlantic Conference in the national finals.
Jos was selected as host city, a decision attributed to Plateau State’s growing reputation as a basketball hub in northern Nigeria. The city’s passionate fan base and improved facilities at Rayfield have also made it a preferred neutral venue for the conference fixtures.
The home side, Plateau Peaks, made a strong start with a hard-fought win over Gombe Bulls in their opening match.
The encounter went down to the wire, with defensive intensity and fast-break execution proving decisive as the Peaks held off a late rally to secure victory.
Their next fixture, a derby clash against Bauchi NETS, saw the Jos-based side again display composure, building their game on aggressive defence and efficient ball movement, dominating the early quarters to keep their opponents on the back foot.
Speaking to THE NIGERIA STANDARD, the Media and Publicity Officer of the Plateau Basketball Association, Noah Noel, said the team’s performance reflects months of structured preparation under new management led by Dr Paul Chollom.
He credited the improved outing to consistent planning and a commitment to rebuilding basketball in the state.
According to him, the association has introduced monthly basketball tournaments to keep players match-fit and tactically sharp.
“The idea is to give players consistent game time so they can develop, synergise, improve fitness and sharpen their defensive and offensive strategies,” he explained.
For Kano Pillars and 313, attention now shifts to the start of their campaigns, with both teams expected to bring experience and physicality to the competition.
The NBBF Men’s Premier League continues to serve as Nigeria’s premier domestic basketball competition, developing talent for national team selection while providing a platform for emerging players.