The 2025 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final Eight playoffs, hosted at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, have reached a fever pitch as four dominant teams, MFM, Royal Aces, First Bank, and Dolphins, secured their spots in the semi-finals. These teams navigated the challenging group stage, showcasing their prowess and determination to claim the coveted championship title. The atmosphere at the Indoor Sports Hall was electric as fans witnessed a display of skill, strategy, and fierce competition, setting the stage for a thrilling semi-final showdown.
Royal Aces, based in Abuja, demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome an initial setback against First Bank. Their hard-fought victory against Bayelsa Blue Whales solidified their position as the second-placed team in Group B, propelling them into the semi-finals. Assistant coach Lewis Chukwuemeka articulated the team’s ambition, highlighting their determination to improve upon their fourth-place finish in the previous year’s competition and emphasizing their goal of ultimately clinching the championship title. Their journey to the semi-finals underscores the team’s growth and their unwavering commitment to achieving success.
Defending champions MFM Basketball Club of Lagos, under the guidance of Coach Ochuko Owolabi, continued their impressive campaign with a commanding victory over Titans. The team’s dynamic duo, Abigail Isaac and Wandoo Hembam, spearheaded the offensive charge, showcasing their scoring prowess with 20 and 19 points respectively. This dominant performance reinforced MFM’s status as a formidable contender and solidified their intent to retain their title as the champions of the top-flight division. Their commanding presence on the court sent a clear message to their competitors that they are a force to be reckoned with.
First Bank, a perennial powerhouse in Nigerian women’s basketball, further asserted their dominance by convincingly defeating Air Warriors. This decisive victory cemented their position at the top of Group B, showcasing their depth and talent. Marylyn Ogoigbe and Jessica Onaibe led the scoring charge for First Bank, contributing 16 and 13 points respectively, highlighting the team’s well-rounded offensive capabilities. Their consistent performance throughout the group stage solidified their status as a strong contender for the championship title.
Dolphins Basketball Club delivered a resounding performance on day three, dismantling Nigeria Customs of Abuja with a commanding victory. Their dominant display maintained their unbeaten streak throughout the group stage and secured their position at the top of Group A. This impressive performance underscored Dolphins’ offensive firepower and their ability to control the tempo of the game. Conversely, Nigeria Customs, under Coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, endured a disappointing campaign, failing to secure a victory in any of their group stage matches.
The semi-finals of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final Eight playoffs promise to be a captivating spectacle, as these four exceptional teams battle for a place in the coveted final. The matches will showcase the pinnacle of women’s basketball talent in Nigeria, featuring thrilling contests between evenly matched opponents. The atmosphere will undoubtedly be charged with anticipation as fans eagerly await the outcome of these crucial matches. The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the playoffs, with the ultimate prize of the championship title within reach for these four deserving teams. The intensity of the competition, the skill of the players, and the strategic prowess of the coaches will all contribute to a memorable and exciting conclusion to the tournament.
