By Emeka Dennar
Six-time Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers have stepped up preparations for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Phase Three playoffs, with interim head coach Ronald Alalibo calling for unity and complete commitment from his players.
Competing in the Atlantic Conference, the KingsMen are aiming to reclaim their place at the top of Nigerian basketball after impressive performances in the first two phases of the league. Rivers Hoopers finished Phase One with a 4-1 record and followed it up with a 6-1 showing in Phase Two.
Speaking ahead of the playoffs, Alalibo stressed that every player in the squad has an important role to play as the team continues to fine-tune its tactics and build stronger chemistry.
“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 ground,” Alalibo said.
“Not just being on ground, you have to come 100% 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 previously praised the depth of his squad and their defensive performances during successful outings in Ibadan and Enugu in Phases One and Two, where contributions from both starters and bench players proved crucial.
The team will once again rely on captain Victor Koko and vice-captain Buchi Vincent, alongside key scorers John Idoga, Abel Offia, Chinedu Nwaogu, Anaiye Johnson and Victor Sunday. Samuel Sani, Eric Okechukwu and Aroko Tom are also expected to play important roles as the KingsMen focus on maintaining discipline and reducing errors as the competition becomes tougher.
In the Phase Three playoffs, Rivers Hoopers will face fellow Atlantic Conference qualifiers Maktown Flyers, Hoops & Read and Lagos Raptors. They will also take on Savannah Conference representatives Aso Sky Hawks, 313 Warriors, Gboko City Chiefs and Kano Pillars in a round-robin format.
The dates and venue for the playoffs will be announced in due course.
