Rivers Hoopers forward John Idoga reflects on competition, growth and ambition after his first season with Nigeria’s most successful basketball club of the past decade.
When John Idoga arrived in Port Harcourt ahead of the 2025 season, he stepped into a club defined by expectation. Rivers Hoopers had won consecutive league titles and established themselves as a powerhouse in Nigerian basketball and also on the African continent, having finished third at the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL).
For the forward fondly referred to as “Johnny Walker”, the challenge was clear — earn his place in a team already built for success, as he aimed to make his mark in Nigerian basketball.
One year later, the small forward looks back on the season that saw him earn a place on the league’s All-star Five, the disappointment of missing out on BAL qualification, the family atmosphere inside the club, and his ambitions for the future.
Q: John, let’s start from where we left off – the end of the previous season. You played in the final match of the 2025 NPBL Final Four which Rivers Hoopers agonisingly lost to Lagos Legends in the final seconds.
How difficult was it for you to see the team end the season in such a manner?
John: “It was really tough for me, to be honest. Rivers Hoopers had won the league in consecutive years before I joined the team, and because of that, they had qualified for the BAL.
So coming into the club and then not being able to clinch that BAL ticket at the end of the season was painful. I felt really bad about it.
But in a basketball game, you either win or lose, and unfortunately for us, on that occasion we ended up on the losing side.”
Q: Alright, let’s talk about your experiences as a KingsMan. Firstly, what was your perception of Rivers Hoopers before joining the club?
John: “Everyone knows Rivers Hoopers is a big club in Nigerian basketball.
But when I arrived, I realised it was more than just a basketball team. It’s a family. The coaches, my teammates, and especially the fans create a great environment around the team. Being part of that has been a really good experience for me.”
Q: Moving to Port Harcourt must have been a big adjustment. What was that experience like?
John: “I was really happy when I signed for Rivers Hoopers. But at the same time it felt like going into unfamiliar territory because I didn’t really know anyone in Port Harcourt apart from a few coaches.
But when I joined the team, everything became easier. The coaches, players and even the fans were very welcoming and friendly. That made settling in much easier for me, and it’s been a pleasure working with everyone here.”
Q: Competition for places in the starting lineup at a prestigious club like Rivers Hoopers is always intense due to the quality of players on the roster. How did you manage to break through?
John: “When I joined the club, there were about four of us competing for the same position in the starting five, so it definitely wasn’t easy.
I just focused on putting in the work. I stayed disciplined, believed in myself and kept playing my game whenever I had the opportunity.
So when I was eventually named among the league’s Best Five at the end of the season, it was a really proud moment for me.”
Q: On a personal note, how much progress do you feel you’ve made since joining Rivers Hoopers?
John: “I’ve made a lot of progress individually since joining the club.
Working with my teammates and the coaching staff has helped my development a lot. Coach Ogoh has particularly played a big role. He’s one of the best coaches in Nigeria, and working with him has given me a great opportunity to improve my game.
I’m looking forward to continuing the work next season.”
Q: With the experience and lessons from the last campaign, what are your targets for the upcoming season?
John: “The main target is to win the Nigeria Premier Basketball League and correct the mistakes we made last season.
On a personal level, I also have big ambitions. One of my dreams is to be named the league’s MVP.”
For John Idoga, his first season with Rivers Hoopers was about adaptation, resilience, and proving himself within a highly competitive squad.
Now fully settled in Port Harcourt and firmly part of the KingsMen family, the forward is determined to turn individual progress into team success.
With lessons learned from last season and new ambitions ahead, Johnny Walker’s journey with Rivers Hoopers is only just beginning.
