First Bank of Nigeria strengthened their impressive run at the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, securing a second consecutive victory to remain the only undefeated team after Game Day 2.
With one match left to play, the Nigerian vice champions are now firmly on course for a spot in next month’s final round in Cairo, Egypt.
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The Bankers defeated Energie Basketball Club of Benin 70–56 on Saturday, showcasing composure, depth and improved second-half execution.
Meanwhile, hosts Friends Basketball Association (FBA) bounced back from their opening-day defeat to claim a vital win over CSA.
First Bank Cement Dominance With Second Win
First Bank opened the game with strong intent, claiming the first two quarters 20–14 and 16–8 to establish a 36–22 halftime lead.
Energie responded with renewed determination, taking the third quarter 21–17 as they attempted to cut the deficit.
Coach Julie Negedu made timely tactical adjustments in the final quarter, enabling First Bank to regain control and secure a 17–13 finish that sealed the victory.
Tobiloba Ogedengbe led the scoring for First Bank with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Haminatu Ayodeji produced an all-round performance with 11 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and an efficiency rating of 18.
For Energie, Nassarath Mama stood out with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 1 assist in nearly 28 minutes on court. She received support from Aku Afetsu, who contributed 8 points and 5 assists.
First Bank’s depth proved crucial, with 48 points coming from the bench compared to Energie’s 15. They also forced 21 turnovers and dominated second-chance points 18–5, underlining their superiority in key moments.
FBA Recover to Defeat CSA
Playing under pressure after a disappointing first-game loss, hosts FBA responded emphatically with a 57–37 victory over CSA. Though CSA edged the first quarter 17–16, FBA took full control thereafter, winning the second quarter 19–5 and the third 15–7 to build a commanding 50–29 lead heading into the final stretch.
CSA managed to outscore the hosts 8–7 in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was too large to overcome. Despite six lead changes, FBA’s dominance was ultimately reflected in the comfortable final margin.
Djanabe Sangare delivered a standout performance with 27 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. She was supported by Solange Ebonje and Zykera Rice, who scored eight points each.
For CSA, Ndeye Send contributed 7 points, while Amandine Bognini and Kasie Komyagou added 6 apiece.
What’s Next?
With one round of games left, the qualifiers are set for a dramatic finish.
Energie face CSA, while FBA take on the undefeated First Bank in a matchup that will determine who advances.
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