Ekoku switched from discus to rugby league when he joined the then London Crusaders RLFC in 1990, as a winger. This was a part-time role, as he also lectured.
His playing career also took him to Bradford Bulls.
He was the manager of the Great Britain national rugby league team, before leaving the post on 20 November, 2007.
Ekoku's brother, Efan, had a notable career as a footballer for Norwich City, Wimbledon and the Nigeria national football team.