Six-time Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers are stepping up their training for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Phase Three. Interim head coach Ronald Alalibo is stressing the need for unity and mental focus as the new season approaches, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The KingsMen, playing in the Atlantic Conference, are aiming to get back to the top of Nigerian basketball. They had a strong performance in Phases One (4-1) and Two (6-1) of the 2026 NPBL.
Before the Phase Three playoffs, Alalibo pointed out that every player has an important role. The coaching staff is working on team chemistry and how to play well together.
“It’s very important because at this time, every person is key to our goal in this year’s Basketball Premier League. Everybody is important to us, and everybody needs to be on the ground,” Alalibo said.
“Not just being on the ground, you have to come 100 per cent with our set goal in your heart; that we are here to win the league. Everybody needs to work together mentally, physically and otherwise.”
Alalibo has praised his team’s depth and strong defense during Phases One and Two in Ibadan and Enugu. Key contributions from both the starting lineup and bench have made a big difference in their success.
The KingsMen are led by team captain Victor Koko and vice captain Buchi Vincent. They also have strong scorers like John Idoga, Abel Offia, Chinedu Nwaogu, Anaiye Johnson, and Victor Sunday, plus valuable help from Samuel Sani, Eric Okechukwu, and Aroko Tom. As they enter Phase Three, they are focused on keeping their tactical discipline and reducing mistakes as the competition heats up.
In the 2026 NPBL Phase Three playoffs, the KingsMen will face other teams from the Atlantic Conference like Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read, and Lagos Raptors. They will also compete against Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs, and Kano Pillars from the Savannah Conference. The games will be played in a round-robin format.
Hoopers are eager to win back the NPBL title this year after losing it to Maktown Flyers, who played as Lagos Legends last year.
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