The National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, was a hive of electric excitement on September 20, 2025, as the Zenith Bank NBBF Women Premier League Finals culminated in a gripping showdown between two basketball powerhouses. Dolphins Basketball Club emerged victorious, defeating First Bank Basketball Club 61-55 in overtime to claim the 2025 championship, halting First Bank’s bid for a historic tenth league title.
In a contest marked by intense competition and skillful play, Dolphins set the pace early, leading 33-30 at halftime and extending their lead to double digits in the third quarter. However, First Bank, the record nine-time champions, fought fiercely back, leveling the score at 53-53 by the end of the fourth quarter and forcing overtime. The Dolphins demonstrated tenacity and superior defense in the extra period, outscoring First Bank 8-2 to secure the championship.
Earlier in the day, MFM Basketball Club secured third place with a commanding 70-46 victory over Royal Aces Basketball Club in the bronze medal match, completing the top tier of this year’s fiercely contested league.
The final attracted prominent figures including Zenith Bank Plc’s Group Managing Director, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Kida. Zenith Bank’s executive leadership team, including Dr. Henry Oroh, Dr. Adobi Nwapa, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, and Mr. Lawani Adamu, also attended, underscoring the institution’s steadfast dedication to the growth and promotion of women’s basketball in Nigeria.
The event drew a large crowd of passionate basketball fans and stakeholders, highlighting the significant progress and popularity of women’s basketball in the nation. Zenith Bank, celebrating 18 years of partnership with the NBBF, announced a prize money pool that included N7.5 million for the champions, N5 million for the runners-up, and N3 million for third place. Individual awards recognizing top performances in assists, three-pointers, and rebounds carried cash prizes of N500,000 each.
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Dolphins’ coach Peter Akindele lauded his team’s resilience and performance, while First Bank’s coach Juliana Akhere expressed her disappointment but acknowledged the need for her team to better adhere to tactical instructions.
This thrilling finale not only showcased the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of Nigerian women basketball players but also highlighted the fruitful collaboration between public institutions and private sponsors in advancing sports development in Nigeria.
