LAGOS (Nigeria) - There was excitement in the air at the Indoor Sports Hall at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, as the Dolphins finally won the Nigerian Women's League title after a 10-year wait, with a dramatic 61-55 overtime victory against former champions First Bank.
The championship clash drew an excited crowd and high anticipation, and lived up to expectations as both teams battled fiercely through the regulation time, with scores of 15-13, 18-17, 14-8 and 6-15, to reach a 53-53 deadlock.
However, Dolphins showed grit and composure in overtime to win 8-2 and secure this historic victory.
Mololowa Tewogbade led the scoring for the new champions with 14 points, while Favour Anari and Gbemisola Samuel contributed 13 points each. For First Bank, Jessica Onaibe scored 13 points and Joseph Benson added 10.
This victory was particularly significant for the Dolphins as it marked a return to winning ways for head coach Peter Akindele and assistant coach Okechukwu Otah.
The team erupted in an emotional celebration following the win, claiming the national crown back after a decade, as well as the ₦7.5 million prize money.
Speaking after the game, Coach Akindele attributed the victory to the team’s dedication and resilience. “We’re most grateful to God for giving us the national championship. It’s been a long road since our former chairman, Wale Aboderin, passed away in 2018, but with Olumide Oyedeji’s support and encouragement, this win became possible. This victory is dedicated to our late chairman, who worked tirelessly to help us grow until his death,” Akindele acknowledged.
He also praised his players' relentless spirit, stating that the team would now begin preparations for the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Women's Basketball League Qualifiers after a short rest.
On the other bench, First Bank's coach, Julie Negedu, expressed disappointment at not winning the title.
She cited pressure and fatigue as reasons why her players were unable to carry out instructions such as driving into the paint, since the Dolphins team was in foul trouble.
However, her players were too eager to score to follow through.
Julie Negedu said: "Overall, it was a good game on both sides. We gave the players the necessary instructions, but when they got onto the court, they did something different. They couldn't hear us from the bench, even when we tried to adjust the play. However, the players deserve commendation for their performance."
Awele Okoh of the Dolphins was named MVP and led the top five, alongside Tewogbade Mololuwa (also of the Dolphins) as the highest scorer, Bidemi Ogedengbe (Royal Aces) as the highest rebounder, Pius Idubamo (MFM) as the player with the most assists, and Hembam Wandoo (MFM) as the player with the most three-pointers.
After the game, Awele Okoh told FIBA.basketball that she owed all the accolades to her teammates. "This win and the MVP accolade go to my teammates because, without them, I wouldn't have made it this far. As a team, we will continue to do our best and work harder to represent Nigeria well at the Zone Three Qualifiers."
Former champions MFM secured third place with a commanding 70–42 win over Royal Aces of Lagos.
The high-stakes final was attended by dignitaries including the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.
FIBA