Rivers Hoopers have added 7-foot center Nikolaos Okekuoyen to their roster for the 2026 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) Playoffs.
Key takeaways
- The 29-year-old most recently played for Digenis Akritas Morphou in Cyprus Division A.
- He posted 13.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 11 games in the 2025–26 campaign.
- Okekuoyen developed in Greece and also attended SPIRE Institute and Ridgeview Prep in the United States.
- His career includes six seasons in European professional basketball, primarily in Greece.
- The NPBL postseason starts on Aug. 29 in Port Harcourt with eight teams chasing the championship.
Okekuoyen adds size and experience
The 29-year-old arrives at the Port Harcourt club after his time with Digenis Akritas Morphou in Cyprus Division A. In 11 appearances during the 2025–26 season, he produced averages of 13.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Born in Athens to Nigerian parents, Okekuoyen weighs 285 pounds and began his basketball development with Greek side Filathlitikos. His next steps came in American prep basketball, where he suited up for SPIRE Institute and Ridgeview Prep before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.
The center has spent six seasons playing professionally in Europe. His experience includes a spell in Greece’s top flight, the Greek Basket League, also known as HEBA A1, with Ionikos Nikaias BC. He also represented a number of HEBA A2 clubs: AO Agrinio, Kavala, AE Psychiko, GS Eleftheroupoli and Trikala BC.
Joining the Hoopers represents Okekuoyen’s first professional opportunity in Africa. His arrival gives the team additional frontcourt depth as it prepares for its postseason challenge.
NPBL Playoffs set for Port Harcourt
The 2026 NPBL Playoffs are scheduled to tip off on Aug. 29 at the Basketball Stadium on Niger Street in Port Harcourt. The tournament will bring together the eight highest-ranked teams from the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences, with the national championship at stake.
