Rivers Hoopers captain Victor Anthony Koko says the team is mentally locked in as they prepare to defend their Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title at the 2025 Final Four, scheduled for November 21–23 in Port Harcourt.
Hoopers Chase Third Straight Crown
The KingsMen, unbeaten champions in 2023 and 2024, are targeting their seventh league title and a ticket to the 2025 Basketball Africa League.
They will battle Lagos Legends, Gboko City Chiefs, and Nigeria Customs in the round-robin championship phase.
“Everyone Is Mentally Ready” Koko
Koko said the team has sharpened their preparations since the Final Eight and are fully motivated to retain the crown.
“Everyone is mentally ready. We understand what is at stake, so we need to go all out.
We’re not just here to have fun. We’re a championship team, and we want to retain that championship.”
Captain Targets Eighth Personal Title
Already a seven-time league champion, Koko hopes to guide the Hoopers to more glory on home soil.
“I want us to win the 2025 NPBL title. Hoopers Champions — that’s on my mind day and night.
We won’t let our fans down. It’s happening in Port Harcourt, and we’ll make them proud.”
Final Four Format and Opening Game
The Final Four will be played in a round-robin format, with the team finishing with the highest points crowned 2025 NPBL champions.
Rivers Hoopers open their campaign against Gboko City Chiefs on Friday, November 21.
