MFM Basketball team have emerged winner of the 2023 Zenith Bank Women’s League organised by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
After three days of action inside the National Stadium Sports Hall, Lagos, MFM defeated Nigeria Customs 64-60 in the group match in the four-team format.
The results mean MFM topped the table after winning their 3 group matches beating Nigeria Customs, Bayelsa Whales and Air Warriors. They went home with the sum of N1.75m, a trophy. medals courtesy of the sponsor Zenith Bank PLC and a ticket to represent Nigeria at the 2024 FIBA Africa Club Championship.
Defending champions, Air Warriors came second and got N750,000 plus medals, third place went to Nigeria Customs and they smile home with N500,000 for their efforts. Bayelsa Blue Whales finished in fourth position.
MFM have now joined the exclusive list of teams which include First Bank, Dolphins, First Deep Water and Air Warriors to have won the Elite Basketball League.
Regina Donanu of MFM scooped the Most Valuable Player and Highest 3-point Shooter award, while the Highest Rebounder award went to Vivian Iwuji of Bayelsa Whales.
The cheering news of the night came from the President of the Basketball Federation who revealed that Zenith Bank will also sponsor the National Division One Female League starting in 2024 apart from the Women’s Basketball League.
The announcement was celebrated by fans and stakeholders of the game who gave kudos to the Federation and its partners Zenith Bank.
Kida said the format for the new league will be made public soon by the Federation through its Women’s Basketball League committee headed by Prof Florence Adeyanju.
The NBBF told a delighted Zenith bank management team that products of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League have gone to represent Nigeria through the Female National team, D’Tigress.
“We want to thank our partner Zenith Bank for their sponsorship. I am pleased to let you know that the female national team have won the Afro basket on four occasions and the bulk of the team used the zenith of women’s basketball to become superstars,” he said.
He assured that the Federation is doing all it can for the Tigress to qualify for the 2024 Olympics.
The NBBF boss seeks more understanding from Nigeria’s Basketball stakeholders and assured that the Men’s Premier League will begin this month
