Koko delighted to have represented Nigeria on Africa's biggest stages

 

LAGOS (Nigeria) - To be called up to fight for a spot in the national team and eventually suiting up for one’s country is fulfilling. That is exactly how Victor Anthony Koko feels as a member of D’Tigers team of Nigeria.  

In 2021, Koko featured in the AfroBasket though his minutes on the court were not what he had wished for but he says it was a worthy experience for him.

Koko was one of the three home-based players in the Nigerian team that finished in 12th place.

Again in 2023, Koko had another opportunity, but this time at FIBA AfroCan.

Victor Koko (second from right)

As a championship for players based in the domestic leagues in Africa, the last edition of the FIBA AfroCan was an occasion for him to showcase his talent but Nigeria did not have the best of performances and finished in 8th place.

While Koko cherishes the moments he played for Nigeria, he believes there is still much he has to offer. "You know AfroBasket is the biggest event in Africa. As a player in that kind of stage, the experience is only as one can imagine. The AfroCan too is another level of experience. These two events were mind-blowing for every basketball player home and abroad," Koko says.

Koko, who stands at 2,08m (6ft 9in)  and plays as a forward, has just helped Rivers Hoopers to become the first Nigerian team to qualify for the BAL Finals. 

Victor Koko (left)

In the team's first showing at the inaugural edition in 2021, the Hoopers were less than impressive with a 1-2 record that saw them 9th place out of the 12 teams but he says that they have learnt lessons from it.

Ahead of this year's BAL, Koko he said the present team is far better than the one that went to the first edition. "I can see the hunger in the faces of the home-based players, ready to give their all."

"Every team is beatable, it doesn't matter the position you finish in the previous BAL, I see my team qualifying for the Final Phase in Rwanda," a confident Koko envisioned. 

Victor Koko featured for Nigeria at 2021 FIBA AfroBasket 

Koko says the BAL has done a lot to improve Africa basketball pointing out that the advantages are numerous to mention. "The first BAL I was an eye opener for me because I saw a lot and this time around. I am not going there for the sake of making up the numbers but to prove that we're ready to compete."

Drawn in Group B of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers alongside Cape Verde, Uganda and Libya, Nigeria lost their first three games, and currently sit last in their group. 

FIBA