LAGOS – Coach Lateef Erinfolami of First Deepwater Club of Lagos on Friday expressed satisfaction with his team’s win over Delta Force of Asaba in the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Playoffs.
Defending champions, First Deepwater Bank on Thursday trounced Delta 67-43 in their first match of the playoffs holding in Lagos.
Erinfolami told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was a good start for his team who were seeking their fifth consecutive title in the 10th edition of the championship.
“We did not really play as we wanted, however, it is a good win and we have to move on.
“We have trained hard for this championship and we are certainly ready to emerge the champions at the end.
“Regardless of our good start, we know that this year’s championship title will not come easy, but we are prepared for the challenges,’’ Erinfolami said.
First Deepwater got into an early lead in the first quarter by recording a 16-8 advantage over Delta Force, who are playing in their first ever playoffs.
They extended their lead in the second quarter by finishing with a 19 points lead and from that moment, exerted their superiority over Delta by dominating ball play.
First Deepwater’s four-time Most Valuable Player winner in the tournament, Nkechi Akashili, had a quiet game but still recorded an impressive 15 points to lead her team’s scoring chat.
Although, Blessing Imomoh and Esther Igben of Delta Force played to the delight of the crowd and both recorded 14 and 13 points respectively, they could not save Delta from falling.
Coach Blessing Aikoroje of the Delta Force team said that regardless of the loss, he was still comfortable with his team’s performance.
“They played against a good team and I am contented with their fighting spirit and good character.
“Playing in our first ever match in the playoffs, obviously there is room for improvement and adjustment, so we look forward to our next game,’’ Aikoroje said.
In other first round matches played at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, former champions, First Bank of Lagos crushed FCT Angels 93-48.
Sunshine Angels of Akure beat IGP Queens of Lagos 66-45.
The playoff matches which began on June 12 with eight teams that qualified from the first and second phases will end on June 21. (NAN)
