Koko Vows Rivers Hoopers Will Retain Nigeria Premier Basketball League Crown

Rivers Hoopers captain Victor Anthony Koko has declared that winning the 2025 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title is the only thing on his mind as the season heads into its decisive Final Four stage.

With less than a week to go before the showdown in Port Harcourt, the KingsMen have intensified preparations, including a commanding 82–60 victory in a friendly against Sauft Basketeers, which capped what Koko described as an ‘awesome week’ of practice.

The skipper emphasized that the team is in far better shape than during the Final Eight, when fitness concerns affected performance.

‘Everybody on the team has been practising together, unlike before the Final Eight, when most of the guys weren’t match fit. The team now is far different from that which played during the Final Eight, because everybody is game ready and waiting for jumpball. I’ve seen the fire in my team,’ he said.

The Hoopers, unbeaten champions in 2023 and 2024, saw their invincibility broken on October 31 when they lost 79–80 to Lagos Legends in overtime, their first league defeat since November 2022.

Reflecting on that setback, Koko admitted the team did not perform at its best.

‘The Final Eight was more like a qualifier for us to reach the Final Four, so I think most players were quite relaxed about it. But what really matters to us now is the Final Four,’ he insisted.

Since the conclusion of the Final Eight on November 2, the Hoopers have fine-tuned their preparations, with Koko stressing that the squad is mentally and physically ready to defend their crown.

‘This time around everyone is ready; everyone is mentally ready. We understand what is at stake, so we need to go all out. We’re a championship-winning team, and we want to retain that championship,’ he said.

The seven-time league champion made clear his singular focus: ‘I want us to win it. It’s on my mind, day and night: Hoopers Champions. And I’m assuring our fans that we’re not going to let them down. It’s happening here in Port Harcourt, and we’re going to make them proud.’

The 2025 NPBL Final Four will be staged from November 21–23, with Rivers Hoopers set to battle Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs in a round-robin format.

The team with the best points tally will be crowned champions. The Hoopers begin their campaign with a crunch clash against Gboko City Chiefs on Friday, November 21, at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township.