Final Eight of Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s Basketball League Set for Lagos

The race for the 2026 Zenith Bank NBBF Women’s Basketball League title is heating up. The top eight teams in Nigeria will gather at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, from 28 September to 3 October 2026. Fans are eager to see who will come out on top in the national Finals.

The teams that made it through tough battles in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences are Nigeria Customs, AS Sky Queens, Titans, Air Warriors, MFM, First Bank, Victoria Queens, and Bayelsa Blue Whales. They all earned their spots in this final showdown for national glory.

There is much excitement this year. Last year's winners, Dolphins Basketball Club, will not compete. They did not finish in the top four of the Atlantic Conference. This opens the door for a new champion to rise and take the title.

The competition will be fierce, with teams that have strong championship histories. First Bank, last year’s runner-up and the team with the most league titles at nine, is ready to challenge for another victory. MFM, the back-to-back champion from 2023 and 2024, also has its eyes on the trophy. With both teams in the Final 8, their history and competitive spirit will make for an exciting battle for the crown.

This competition shows how much the league has grown over its 20 years. It has given many of Nigeria’s best female basketball players a chance to shine and develop their skills. Zenith Bank has been the only sponsor of the National Women’s Basketball League since 2005, playing a big part in this success.

Through its partnership with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Zenith Bank has continuously supported women’s basketball. They help create a competitive environment where talents can be found and prepared for high-level play. This support is crucial for the league and the players involved.

The league also serves as a key path to the National Women Basketball team, D’Tigress. Many players who have starred for Nigeria came from this league. Besides contributing to the national team, the league helps young female athletes build confidence, skills, discipline, teamwork, and careers in sports.

Now, all eyes are on Lagos. Which team will take this chance to make history in Nigerian women’s basketball?

Eight teams. One goal. One champion.

For Zenith Bank, sponsoring the Women’s Basketball League is about more than just sports. It shows the Bank’s dedication to creating chances and making a difference in the lives of young people in Nigeria.

Their commitment reaches into various areas of community development, including:

• The rebuilding and beautification of Ajose Adeogun Street and Roundabout

• The yearly Zenith Bank Youth Parade and Light-Up Ceremony

• Building ICT Centres in tertiary institutions across Nigeria

• Constructing the modern Iga Iduganran Primary Healthcare Centre, among other projects.

Through these efforts and ongoing support for women’s basketball, Zenith Bank shows it cares about society. They focus on creating opportunities and helping communities and young people grow.