In a display of Nigerian resilience and skill, the FirstBank Basketball Club, universally celebrated as the Elephant Girls, stormed their way to the final round of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA).
Following a commanding, undefeated run at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Elephant Girls are now set to compete in the prestigious WBLA Final Round, scheduled for 5–14 December 2025, in Cairo, Egypt.
The Nigerian champions secured the Zone 3 title after winning all three of their crucial games, representing the country as its sole flag-bearer in the regional tournament.
The competition in Abidjan was fierce, featuring formidable teams from host nation Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo.
Yet, it was the Elephant Girls who rose above the challenge, demonstrating a level of discipline, tenacity, and mental fortitude that proved too much for their rivals.
Their undefeated campaign was highlighted by two landmark victories that cemented their status as champions.
First, the team delivered a 66–55 upset against the favoured home team, CSA of Côte d’Ivoire.
They then followed that up with an even more dramatic performance against FBA, also of Côte d’Ivoire, staging a spectacular 63–59 comeback win.
The sheer will required for that victory was particularly notable, as the Elephant Girls had found themselves trailing by a daunting 20 points early in the second quarter.
Their ability to regroup, execute, and dominate the second half speaks volumes about the team’s championship DNA.
This remarkable qualification marks a glorious return to the continental stage for the Elephant Girls after a significant six-year absence.
Emerging as the undisputed champions of Zone 3 and, crucially, the only English-speaking team to successfully advance, the team has not only brought immense pride to Nigeria but has also reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of its sponsor, FirstBank, to fostering and promoting women’s sports excellence both locally and across the African continent.
The team’s success is viewed not just as a sporting victory, but as a validation of sustained corporate support for gender equality and talent development.
Speaking on the stellar qualification, Mr Olumuyiwa Olulaja, FirstBank’s Group Head, Human Capital Management and Development and Chairman of the Sports Council, expressed the Bank's pride.
“We are incredibly proud of the Elephant Girls for their outstanding performance. They have once again shown the world the strength, resilience, and excellence that define FirstBank,” Mr Olulaja stated.
He further emphasised the Bank’s dedication, adding, “At FirstBank, we are committed to continuing our support for sports in Nigeria and Africa, and this victory is a significant step forward in our mission to promote excellence in sports on the continental and global stage.”
The Elephant Girls had earned the right to represent Nigeria at the Zone 3 Qualifiers following a Silver Medal finish at the domestic Zenith Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Women’s Premier League, showcasing their consistent high performance at the national level.
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