NPBL Final Four: Hoopers Captain Koko Targets Redemption After Last Season’s Heartbreak

Rivers Hoopers captain Victor Koko has urged his teammates to turn last season’s disappointment into motivation as they seek to reclaim the Nigeria Premier Basketball League title.

The six-time Nigerian champions began their 2026 Final Four campaign in Port Harcourt on Sunday, with the team targeting a seventh league championship and a return to the Basketball Africa League.

Hoopers lost their league crown last season after suffering a dramatic 74-72 defeat to Lagos Legends in the championship decider.

Koko said the memory of that loss remained fresh within the squad and should serve as motivation during this year’s title contest.

He stressed that finishing second was not enough for the players, who want the title.

The captain said every member of the squad wanted to be part of a winning legacy and was determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s disappointment.

Hoopers enter the Final Four as the top seed after recording a 6-1 run during the postseason playoffs. They edged defending champions Maktown Flyers, formerly known as Lagos Legends, on point differential.

Coach Ogoh Odaudu has also strengthened the roster with several notable additions as the team seeks to regain domestic dominance.

Among the new arrivals are veteran Tunisian point guard Omar Abada, former Basketball Africa League Defensive Player of the Year Peter Olisemeka, forward Raphael Putney and Greek big man Nikolaos Okekuoyen.

Koko acknowledged the quality of the squad but said the players must prove themselves on the court rather than rely on their credentials.

He said the team was built to win championships and return Rivers Hoopers to the African basketball stage, but added that success would depend on performance during the decisive games.

The Final Four is being hosted in Port Harcourt, giving the Hoopers home support as they pursue the championship.

Koko said the pressure would be significant but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome their opponents and give supporters a reason to celebrate.

A championship victory would restore the Hoopers to the top of Nigerian basketball and secure Nigeria’s representation in the Basketball Africa League.

The Final Four is being contested in a round-robin format, with the title to be decided after the teams complete their scheduled games.

The team will rely on its experience and support throughout the decisive Final Four games.