The 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 will commence on Tuesday, September 28, 2026, with nine-time winner First Bank taking on debutant Victoria Queens. The match will be held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. This game marks a renewal of their rivalry from the Atlantic Conference, where Victoria Queens won in the First Phase in Lagos but lost to First Bank in the Second Phase played in Port Harcourt.
The teams have been grouped into two categories for the Final 8. In Group A, MFM, Aso Sky Queens, Titans, and Bayelsa Blue Whales will compete against each other. Meanwhile, Nigeria Customs, First Bank, Victoria Queens, and Air Warriors will battle it out in Group B. The draws were conducted on Sunday, and all teams are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday.
The opening day of the Final 8 will feature three matches. First Bank and Victoria Queens will kick off the competition, followed by Aso Sky Queens against Titans. The third game of the day will see MFM take on Bayelsa Blue Whales. The group stage games are scheduled to conclude on October 1, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
The semifinal and final matches will take place on October 2 and 3, respectively. The Third Place game and final are also scheduled for October 3, which will wrap up the 2026 season. Fans are eagerly awaiting the competition, which promises to be intense and thrilling.
First Bank and Victoria Queens have a history of intense rivalry in the league. In their previous encounters in the Atlantic Conference, Victoria Queens emerged victorious in Lagos but lost to First Bank in Port Harcourt. The two teams are set to renew their rivalry on Tuesday, and fans are expecting a highly competitive match.
The NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League has been a platform for showcasing the talents of female basketball players in Nigeria. The league has been ongoing, with teams competing fiercely for the top spot. The Final 8 is expected to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, with the best teams competing for the championship.
The competition will provide an opportunity for teams to demonstrate their skills and strategies. The teams have been preparing for the Final 8, and fans are expecting a high level of competition. The league has been gaining popularity, and the Final 8 is expected to attract a large audience.
Key points
- First Bank will face Victoria Queens in the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 opener on Tuesday.
- The group stage games will conclude on October 1, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
- The Third Place game and final are scheduled for October 3, which will wrap up the 2026 season.
