2025 Zenith Bank/NBBF women’s Basketball League Final 8 Play-Off Begins Sept. 14

The stage is set for the 2025 Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s Basketball League Final 8 Play-Off, which tips off on 14 Sept. at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The championship marks the climax of Nigeria’s premier women’s basketball league, with eight outstanding teams competing for the coveted national title and a place in continental competition.

The finalists are MFM Basketball Club, First Bank, Dolphins, Bayelsa Whales, Nigeria Customs, Titans Basket, Air Warriors, and Royal Aces, representing both the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.

Their qualification followed a rigorous season that began with the first phase in Benin and Abuja, before the decisive zonal playoffs in Ilorin and Jos.

Each team displayed remarkable resilience to advance, showing the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s basketball in Nigeria under the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

Defending champions MFM enter as frontrunners after a dominant run, boasting talented players and strong team chemistry that makes them a formidable force once again.

First Bank, five-time winners, are considered serious challengers, drawing from their rich experience and seasoned players who understand the pressure of high-stakes playoff basketball.

Dolphins and Bayelsa Whales are tipped as dark horses, aiming to upset the balance and prove their ability to compete against the more established clubs.

From the Savannah Conference, Titans Basket, Air Warriors, and Royal Aces are determined to showcase their strength and close the perceived gap with Atlantic teams.

Beyond the competition, the championship provides a vital platform to promote female athletes and encourage younger talents aspiring to play basketball at professional and international levels.

Former tennis star Rolake Olagbegi and respected sports administrator Godwin Enakhena have both pledged their support to MFM, urging the side to defend their crown.

Olagbegi, who presented training balls to the team, encouraged the players to maintain discipline, focus, and mental strength throughout the demanding eight-day competition.

Enakhena highlighted the importance of motivation and teamwork, reminding the MFM squad that defending a title often requires greater sacrifice than winning it for the first time.

Basketball enthusiasts in Lagos are expected to throng the National Stadium to witness thrilling contests and celebrate the growing appeal of women’s basketball in the country.

The Final 8 Play-Off will run from Sept. 14 to 22, featuring group games, semi-finals, and the highly anticipated grand finale on the closing day.