The 2025 Zenith Bank Final Eight playoffs are in full swing at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, and First Bank head coach Juliana Akhere has declared her ambition to lead the Elephant Girls to the league crown.
First Bank booked their playoff ticket through the Atlantic Conference and have started strongly, winning their first two games. They defeated Bayelsa Blue Whales 53-36 on opening day and followed up with a 52-44 victory over Royal Aces of Abuja, moving closer to a semi-final spot.
“For me, every game I go into, I go in with everything I’ve got. We faced obstacles, but we made quick adjustments and got the victory. No one here is just making up the numbers; everyone came prepared,” Akhere told PUNCH Sports Extra.
Looking ahead, the coach added: “To get to that podium, it’s all about God first, then the work we’ve put in, the unity, the teamwork, and the coaching crew. Coach Seun has been fantastic. I believe we’re going to get the victory.”
Day three of the playoffs features key fixtures: Bayelsa Blue Whales vs Royal Aces, Dolphins vs Nigeria Customs, MFM vs Titans, and First Bank vs Air Warriors.
Elsewhere, Dolphins maintained their perfect start with a 63-39 demolition of Titans, having stunned reigning champions MFM 51-41 earlier. MFM bounced back with a 78-42 win over Nigeria Customs, while the Whales kept their hopes alive with a 65-47 triumph over Air Warriors.
