Zenith Bank/Nigeria Basketball Federation National Women’s Basketball League takes centre stage in Lagos from today, with eight teams vying for honours.
Defending champions, Mountain of Fire (MFM) Basketball Team, are the centre of attention after winning the last two editions of the competition.
The eight teams will compete in a round-robin format, where the best team will emerge on points accumulated across all matches.
All matches are crucial for these teams, particularly the favourites aiming for the 2025 title. Four teams qualified from each of the two conferences: the Atlantic Conference and the Savannah Conference. The Titans, Air Warriors, Royal Aces, Nigeria Customs, First Bank, MFM, Dolphins, and Bayelsa Wales Basketball Clubs will compete in the Final Eight at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Based on results from the first and second phases of the competition, this edition will be a direct contest between defending champions MFM and former champions First Bank, while the Titans could play a spoiler role.
Perpetua Clement, Chairperson of the 2025 Zenith Women’s Basketball League, stated that the NBBF is ready to stage a seamless Final Eight, adding that the Musa Kida-led body has been working diligently to ensure everything is in place for the finals.
“We expect a grand spectacle in Lagos, and the NBBF is prepared,” she said.
The Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, expressed pride in the progress of the women’s league, noting that each edition has improved over the years.
“We are pleased that over the years, the league has produced superstars for Nigeria, who have remained consistent on the African continent for the past decade. We are all delighted with the remarkable performance of D’Tigress, but the journey of many of these players began here in the league.
“I wish all participants the best in this year’s Final Eight,” Umeoji said.