Rookies, Bayelsa Blue Whales Scale First Bank’s Hurdles To NBBF Zenith Elite Women’s League Finals

Bayelsa Blue Whales closed out First Bank in the Atlantic Conference Phase-2 on Saturday, winning a deciding Game-five 55-44 to advance to the NBBF Zenith Elite Women’s League Finals alongside Nigerian Customs, Air Warriors and MFM.

The victory for the Yenagoa based side blocked the big teams such as First Bank from qualifying to the Final playoff in Lagos after a dissapointing outing in Asaba.

Bayelsa Blue Whales which was appearing in the Zenith Elite Women’s League for the first time barely 6-months after it was established had to come into the tournament without letting its underdog status have any bearing on their impressive playoff.

Speaking after the game, Blue Whales coach Tony Nelson lauded the excellent display of his team.

“We have some incredible competitors in that locker room. The players love the challenge,” coach Tony Nelson said. “They love putting themselves out there in front of everybody. Open to criticism. Open to everything.”

“I think the girls deserve it, they trained really hard willing to learn and improve on areas that have lapses.”

Bayelsa Blue Whales ended the Atlantic Conference Phase-1 and Phase-2 combined as the best team followed by MFM and First Bank while Sunshine Angels, Dolphins and IGP Queens occupied the bottom three respectively.