Koko wants Hoopers to bounce back in NPBL

Rivers Hoopers captain Victor Koko has urged his teammates to use last season’s disappointment as a reason to fight harder. The six-time Nigerian champions are ready to start their journey to reclaim the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title at home.

The KingsMen are aiming for their seventh league title as the 2026 Final Four campaign kicked off in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Winning this title will also help them return to the Basketball Africa League.

Last season, Hoopers lost their title to Lagos Legends, now called Maktown Flyers, in a close match that ended 74, 72.

For Koko, this tournament means more than just winning another trophy. He says the memory of that loss is still fresh for the team and is pushing them to do better this year.

“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.”

The Hoopers reached the Final Four as the top seed after a strong 6, 1 run in the postseason playoffs. They finished ahead of the defending champions Maktown Flyers based on point differential.

Coach Ogoh Odaudu has also boosted the team by bringing in several experienced players. This includes veteran Tunisian point guard Omar Abada, former BAL Defensive Player of the Year Peter Olisemeka, forward Raphael Putney, and Greek big man Nikolaos Okekuoyen.

But Koko understands that the team’s reputation won’t mean much if they don’t perform when it matters.

“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.”

With the Final Four happening in front of their home fans, there are high expectations. Still, Koko is confident that the Kingsmen can handle the pressure.

“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.”