Rivers Hoopers’ Captain Koko Targets NPBL Crown, BAL Return
Rivers Hoopers captain Victor Koko has challenged his teammates to erase the pain of last season’s defeat by reclaiming the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title and returning to the Basketball Africa League.
The six-time Nigerian champions begin their 2026 NPBL Final Four campaign in Port Harcourt on Sunday, determined to avoid another disappointment after losing 74-72 to Lagos Legends in last November’s championship decider.
The defeat denied Hoopers a third successive NPBL title and also cost them Nigeria’s sole qualification ticket for the BAL.
Koko says the disappointment remains fresh in the minds of the players.
‘When we came second last season, nobody celebrated us. We don’t celebrate silver. What we want to hear, what we want written on those flyers on the wall, is ‘we are champions,’’ Koko said.
‘Every player wants to be part of that legacy. Nobody wants a repeat of what happened last time, and I believe we will not let it happen again.’
Hoopers enter the Final Four as the top seed after a 6-1 run in the postseason playoffs, edging defending champions Maktown Flyers on points difference.
Coach Ogoh Odaudu has also strengthened the squad with veteran Tunisian point guard Omar Abada, former BAL Defensive Player Peter Olisemeka, Raphael Putney and Greek centre Nikolaos Okekuoyen among the notable additions.
But Koko insists the Hoopers must prove their credentials on the court.
‘This team was built to win championships, to put Rivers Hoopers back on the African map,’ he said. ‘But we aren’t going to become champions just by talking about it. We have to be champions on the court and show people who we are.’
The captain also believes home support can help the KingsMen achieve their objective.
‘I know it is going to be tough, but I believe in my heart that we have the strength to overcome every team that steps in front of us,’ he said. ‘We will come out victorious, and our fans will celebrate with us this time.’
The Final Four, rescheduled for September 20-22 following a venue conflict, features Rivers Hoopers, Maktown Flyers, Gboko City Chiefs and Aso Sky Hawks.
The team finishing top of the round-robin standings on September 22 will be crowned 2026 NPBL champions and earn Nigeria’s direct qualification ticket for the 2027 BAL season.
