Rivers Hoopers captain Victor Anthony Koko has retired from professional basketball after helping the club win the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League title.
The club announced his retirement in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that his iconic jersey No. 15 had been retired in recognition of his contributions.
Koko’s retirement came a day after the KingsMen clinched the 2026 league title with an unbeaten run in the Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt, defeating Maktown Flyers 92-90 in overtime on Tuesday.
Born in Port Harcourt, the 6ft 9in centre/power forward joined Rivers Hoopers in 2009 and won seven league titles with the club, alongside another with Mark Mentors in 2015.
He was named the league’s Final MVP in 2021 and helped Rivers Hoopers win bronze at the 2024 Basketball Africa League. He also represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA AfroCan, 2021 AfroBasket and 2019 FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup.
The club said Koko’s jersey would hang in the rafters and would never be worn by another player.
