Abuja – Players participating in the first phase of the 12th Zenith Bank National Women Basketball League in Abuja on Monday praised Zenith Bank for its continued sponsorship of the league.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bank has for 12 consecutive years been sponsoring the competition, which is the country’s apex women basketball league.
In separate interviews with NAN at the National Staduim, venue of the competition, the players also lauded the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for effectively organising the league.
The players, furthermore, called on other corporate bodies and individuals to help in sponsoring the league.
Grace Ipinlaiye of FCT Angels of Abuja said the League had brought people from many parts of the country together.
“The League has so far been great and we appreciate Zenith Bank, because they are making it possible for players from different spheres of life to come together.
“We just hope that we have more sponsors to support us in areas of competitions`, so that we can develop ourselves and become better players,’’ she said.
Annie Oche, captain of Benue Princess of Makurdi, also called on other private individuals to help to develop the game.
“The bank has tried It has created `unity in diversity’ through the sport, and has made us make friends, and has also promoted peace.
“For female basketball in Nigeria to progress even higher, we need sponsors to help us be the best because the government alone cannot develop sports,’’ Oche said.
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Ibitola, captain of Oluyole Babes of Ibadan, on her part praised the league sponsor.
“The league has helped us gain new experience, meet other opponents and learn new techniques of the game.
“Private organisations should all try to partner with the Federation (NBBF), so that it will not be Zenith Bank alone.
“That way the burden on the bank will be lesser and more finances would be poured into the competition,’’ she said.
Eighteen teams are currently participating in the league whose first phase began on March 19, with Dolphins of Lagos as the defending champions.(NAN)
