The 2026 Dreams Basketball Tournament has reached its climax, with defending champions Showtyme Hoopers and Beavers Basketball securing their places in the men’s final after two thrilling semi-final encounters at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan. The fifth edition, organised as a platform for competitive development and talent discovery, has produced several absorbing contests since tip-off on August 12.
Showtyme Hoopers remained on course for an unprecedented three-peat after overcoming a determined Delta Force 97–88 in a high-scoring semi-final. The defending champions, who had earlier defeated Vision Sports Academy 82–56 in the quarter-finals, once again demonstrated the offensive firepower and experience that have made them the team to beat. Delta Force pushed the champions throughout, but Showtyme held their nerve in the decisive stages to book their place in the championship game.
In the second semi-final, Beavers Basketball continued their remarkable run by defeating Gidi Giants 91–84. Having eliminated the University of Ibadan 91–85 in the quarter-finals, Beavers produced another impressive offensive performance to reach the final. Their progression is particularly noteworthy after they also gave Showtyme a stern test in the opening game of the tournament, losing narrowly 77–71. They now have another opportunity to finish what they started against the defending champions.
Attention now shifts to the grand finale, with both men’s and women’s championship games scheduled for Saturday. The women’s final will tip off at 2:00pm, featuring Showtyme Angels against Dodan Warriors Amazon, before the men’s championship game at 4:00pm pits Showtyme Hoopers against Beavers Basketball. The men’s final promises to be a fascinating rematch between two sides that have already crossed paths in this tournament.
For Showtyme Hoopers, the stakes could hardly be higher: one victory stands between them and a historic third consecutive Dreams Basketball Tournament title. For Beavers Basketball, Saturday offers the chance to turn their impressive campaign into championship glory. With two finals, four teams and trophies at stake, the Dreams Basketball Tournament 2026 is set for a dramatic conclusion in Ibadan.
