Greek-Nigerian giant Okekuoyen joins Rivers Hoopers ahead of NPBL playoffs
Rivers Hoopers have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Playoffs with the signing of 7-foot Greek-Nigerian centre Nikolaos Okekuoyen.
The 29-year-old arrives in Port Harcourt after an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Digenis Akritas Morphou in Cyprus Division A, where he averaged 13.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 31.3 minutes per game across 11 appearances.
The 285-pound centre shot 43.9 per cent from the field and is expected to provide the Hoopers with additional strength and defensive presence in the paint.
Born in Athens to Nigerian parents, Okekuoyen developed his game in Greece and attended Filathlitikos, the Athens club that also helped develop Miami Heat star and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He later played in the United States at SPIRE Institute and Ridgeview Prep before entering the 2020 NBA Draft pool as an early entrant.
Okekuoyen has spent the last six seasons playing professionally in Europe, featuring in Greece’s top division with Ionikos Nikaias BC and also turning out for AO Agrinio, Kavala, AE Psychiko, GS Eleftheroupoli and Trikala BC in the Greek second tier.
His move to Rivers Hoopers represents his first professional spell on the African continent and gives the reigning domestic contenders an imposing presence as they prepare for the playoffs. His combination of size, rebounding and interior defence is expected to strengthen the team at both ends of the court.
The 2026 NPBL Playoffs will tip off on August 29 at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street, with the top eight teams from the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences battling for the country’s premier domestic basketball title.
