High spin states in the transitional nucleus 87Nb up to 14MeV excitation have been established for the first time via the reactions 4~176 3p)STNb and 58Ni (32S, 3p)87Nb. The 87Nb y-radiations have been identified through y-ray spectra taken in coincidence with the evaporation residues detected in the Daresbury recoil separator or with multiple proton emission. Gamma-gamma coincidences, DCO ratios, y-ray angular distributions and lifetimes have been measured. A total of some 100 transitions have been placed into a level scheme comprising of sixty states. The one-quasiparticle (lqp) bands of either parity and several other band-like structures have been identified, some containing aligned g9/2 nucleons.Moderately enhanced E2 in-band transitions of 13-48 W.u. as well as several weak E2 yrast transitions connecting bands with different quasiparticle numbers have been found. Similarities with respect to the N= 46 isotones 83Rb, 84Sr, 85y, S6Zr and 88M0 are discussed.