First Deepwater, others set for Afonja war

By Ikenna Okonkwo
Abuja

No fewer than 16 participating teams including defending champions, First Deepwater will slog it out in the second phase of Zenith Bank Women Basketball which kicks off tomorrow in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.
The next phase of the competition which is at its 10th edition, is taking place barely two months after the first stage was held in Abuja with holders, First Deepwater of Lagos leading the way in Group A, while First Bank topped Group B.

Ahead of the knockout phase of the competition which is expected to produce only eight teams at the end of a week-long tournament, President of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Alhaji Tijani Umar, assured of the readiness of the federation to host another thrilling competition which will later terminate in Lagos where the final phase will be staged.
He noted that all participating clubs were expected to be at venue of the tournament later today for a technical meeting preparatory to the kickoff of matches tomorrow.

According to him, “We have put everything in place to ensure successful hosting of the league season. This stage of the competition which is actually the elimination phase will be keenly contested because teams will want to fight to finish to ensure qualification for the final phase.

“Arrangement has been concluded and we expect every team to be in latest by Thursday (this) evening so they can be part of technical meeting. We are determined to take the women league in Nigeria to another level and so we need the support of stakeholders to enable us achieve our aim.”
However, Delta Force will hope to press on when they confront First deep water in their opening game in Group A.
Also, Coal City Queens will engage First Bank in another match in Group B to fight for survival.

Day 1 matches (March 2, 2014):
GROUP A
Taraba Hurricane v Oluyole Babes
Sunshine v GT 2000
IGP Queens v Immigration
First Deep Water v Delta Force

GROUP B
Dolphin  v Ahip Queens
Coal City v First Bank
FCT Angels v Plateau
Customs v Benue Queen