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PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – New center Nikolaos Okekuoyen says he is eager to help the Rivers Hoopers return to the top of Nigerian basketball as he prepares for his debut in Nigerian and African basketball.
The 7-foot, 285-pound Greek-Nigerian big man joined the six-time national champions ahead of the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase 3 playoffs, which will be held in Port Harcourt.
The 29-year-old spent six seasons playing professionally between Greece and Cyprus, following development at Athens club Filathlitikos (the same Greek club that developed Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo) and preparatory periods in the United States
His next stop will be on the hardwood of the Basketball Arena 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Municipalitya transition he says was heavily influenced by deep family ties, thanks to his cousin and fellow Hoopers, Peter Olisemeka.
“Yes, it was a good decision thanks to my cousin… Peter Olisemeka,” Okekuoyen said in his first official interview with the club. “I got some advice from him and he told me it would be a good move to come and play in Nigeria. [He said] it will be fun; it will be a stimulating experience. And why not? I like challenges and I want to be the champion of Nigeria.”
Born in Athens to Nigerian parents, Okekuoyen also highlighted the personal resonance of dressing in his parents’ native country.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to play basketball in a different country, in a different environment, and especially in my parents’ country,” he said. “So it’s a blessing.”
Okekuoyen enters the NPBL playoffs fresh off the 2025-26 season with Digenis Akritas Morphou in the Cyprus A Division, where he averaged 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest. While known for his physical size and ability to clean windows, he outlined a playing style focused on leadership and vocal distribution with a high IQ.
“I think I’m a very good leader,” Okekuoyen said. “As a player, I’m an outspoken person and I like to get my teammates involved. That’s, I think, my strongest and best trait. I can score the ball. I can be a dominant force around the basket, but my game type is similar to Nikola Jokic. I like to get my teammates involved in the game.”
The KingsMen enter the eight-team Final Eight tournament looking for redemption after falling just short of a national title last season. The round-robin playoffs take place from August 30 to September 5 at the Indoor Basketball Stadium in Port Harcourt Township. Looking forward to the action on the field, Okekuoyen noted that the seamless integration into the Hoopers’ team culture has laid a solid foundation for their championship push.
“It’s been great so far. Everyone here is super professional,” he said. “They love what they do and I can see everyone’s intensity and professionalism.”
He, however, insisted on the importance of patience and daily focus as the KingsMen aim to claim the NPBL title and earn a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
“I’m here to do my best and I think we have a fantastic group of guys; everyone who is here will make a difference to see that we are crowned champions by the end of the final match,” he added. “I think we have to go step by step, day by day. Everybody shows up at practice and focused, and I think we’ll get there… We were there last year and couldn’t get two points. I think this year will be our year.”
Action in the 2026 NPBL Playoffs is scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with games and game times to be announced following a pre-tournament team meeting on August 29.
