First Bank, Victoria Queens Set For NBBF/Zenith Bank Basketball League Final 8 Opener

Nine-time champions First Bank will begin their quest for another NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title when they face debutants Victoria Queens in the opening game of the 2026 Final 8 on Tuesday in Lagos.

The opening fixture will take place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, as the top eight teams battle for the league crown.

The encounter will renew the rivalry between First Bank and Victoria Queens, who met twice during the Atlantic Conference phase of the regular season.

Victoria Queens won the first-phase meeting in Lagos before First Bank secured victory in the return fixture played in Port Harcourt.

All eight teams are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday ahead of the Final 8, following Sunday’s draw.

Group A comprises MFM, Aso Sky Queens, Titans and Bayelsa Blue Whales, while Group B features Nigeria Customs, First Bank, Victoria Queens and Air Warriors.

The other fixtures on Tuesday will see Aso Sky Queens take on Titans, MFM face Bayelsa Blue Whales, while Nigeria Customs battle Air Warriors.

The group-stage matches are scheduled to run until 1 October, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

The semi-finalists will then battle for places in the final, while the third-place play-off and championship final are scheduled for 3 October, bringing the 2026 season to a close.