Emmanuel Obi
At the heart of the steady growth of women’s basketball in Nigeria is Zenith Bank, which has solely sponsored the National Women’s Basketball League since 2005 and, in partnership with the NBBF, has continued to provide opportunities for young talents to emerge and compete at the highest level.
The race for the 2026 Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s Basketball League title enters its decisive stage as eight top teams battle for honours in Lagos.
The national finals will hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from September 28 to October 3, 2026.
The eight finalists emerged after intense battles in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.
The teams are Nigeria Customs, AS Sky Queens, Titans, Air Warriors, MFM, First Bank, Victoria Queens, and Bayelsa Blue Whales.
According to Zenith bank in a press release , this year’s edition promises a new champion.
“Last year’s title holders, Dolphins Basketball Club, who defeated First Bank in the final to lift the trophy, failed to make the top four of the Atlantic Conference and will not feature in the Final 8.”
“Despite their absence, the competition parades teams with rich championship history. First Bank, last year’s finalist, remains the most successful team in the history of the league with nine titles.” MFM also comes into the finals with strong pedigree, having won back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024. Their presence sets the stage for a fierce contest where experience and ambition will collide.
” The league, which has for over two decades provided a platform for Nigeria’s best female basketball talents to grow and compete, continues to show steady growth.”
According to the financial body, the domestic league has also served as a pathway to the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with several players who have starred for Nigeria emerging from the competition.
” Beyond producing national team stars, the league continues to impact youth development by helping young female athletes build confidence, discipline, teamwork and professional careers.”
For Zenith Bank, its over two-decade sponsorship of the women’s basketball league goes beyond sports.
” It reflects the bank’s commitment to creating platforms that unlock opportunities and empower young Nigerians.
The Apex banking organisation noted that their commitment is also evident in other community development initiatives of the bank, including the reconstruction and beautification of Ajose Adeogun Street and Roundabout in Lagos, the annual Zenith Bank Youth Parade and Light-Up Ceremony, the construction of ICT Centres in tertiary institutions across the country, and the construction of the ultra-modern Iga Iduganran Primary Healthcare Centre, among others.
” Through the interventions and its longstanding support for women’s basketball, Zenith Bank continues to show that its impact goes beyond banking, focusing on community development and investing in the next generation.
