Lagos – All is set for a repeat clash of titans as the defending champions, Dolphins of Lagos and last year’s runners up, First Bank of Lagos, meet in the finals of the 12th Zenith Bank Women Basketball Playoff.
The event will hold on Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
Coach Peter Ahmedu of First Bank, popularly known as “Elephant Girls’’ told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the team would stop at nothing to win the trophy.
First Bank, had recorded outstanding performance in the ongoing league, winning four matches.
The team thrashed IGP Queens of Lagos, 105-22 on Tuesday (May 10) to book a place in the finals of the championship.
The Elephant’s fast paced style and massive defensive formation gave them the advantage over their opponents.
“We are confident of our ball handling. We worked tirelessly to prove our worth and with what we have seen in the playoffs, we have yet to see any team that will stop our title ambition.
“It’s my first season with the team and I have really worked on the team’s attitude toward scoring more points and good defensive game, because this is what the game is all about.
“I look forward to the finals with a lot of confidence and excitement. We want to avenge the defeat we suffered at the hands of Dolphins in last season’s finals,’’ Ahmedu said.
Head Coach of Dolphins, Wale Aboderin, said the team would not be a push over.
He noted that Dolphins were not intimidated by the performance of First bank in the playoff.
Dolphins had crushed Customs of Lagos, 74-53 to advance into finals. This could be their fourth in the finals, it they emerge victorious.
“We worked hard all through the competition, we also allowed our new players to show their capabilities and their hunger for the championship title.
“We parade the youngest and most determined set of players in this competition; some of them are under 19 and appearing in the championship for the first time.
“My belief in this set of players is great. They can give First Bank that parades five national team players a run for their money. We are not afraid of them,’’ Aboderin said.
Meanwhile, the third place match between Customs and IGP Queens will also be played on Thursday just before the finals. (NAN)