
ABUJA - Nigeria side First Bank two weeks ago confirmed their dominance by clinching their seventh Zenith Bank Women Basketball League title in twelve years, but it’s the continental crown that they are after.
The Nigerian new champions last won the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women (ACCW) in 2009.
Nigerian international Nkechi Akashili, who bagged her fifth Most Valuable Player award scoring 24 points with 3 steals, 3 rebounds in the decisive 75-60 victory over Dolphins Basketball, feels team effort paid off.
“I want to thank my team-mates and the coaches for everything, without them I am no MVP,” Akashili said.
We are a family, we play together and win together and that’s the mindset we will take to the continental. - Akashili
The epic finale between two local giants saw five Nigeria internationals in action - including Atosu Upe, Nkem Akaraiwe, Nkechi Akashili and Chioma Udeaja on the winning side - and Patience Okpe of Dolphins.
All eyes are now set on First Bank head coach Peter Ahmedu and his team’s quest for greatness on the African stage.
Last December, they fell short in the ACCW Third-Place game against Mozambique champions Ferroviario de Maputo.