First Bank Rout First Deep Water as Dolphins Suffer Fourth Loss

Posted : 10 September 2026

First Bank on Wednesday recorded the biggest win on Day Four of the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, crushing First Deep Water 81–31 in Port Harcourt.

The former champions dominated the encounter from the opening tip, establishing a commanding lead and sustaining the pressure throughout the game to secure a 50-point victory.

First Deep Water struggled to match the tempo and intensity of their opponents, who controlled proceedings in all departments to underline their title credentials.

In another encounter, defending champions Dolphins Basketball Club suffered their fourth defeat of the second phase, losing 50–60 to Bayelsa Blue Whales.

Despite the defeat, Dolphins head coach, Okechukwu Ottah, said the improved scoreline against the Bayelsa side offered encouragement to his rebuilding squad.

Ottah noted that Dolphins had suffered a heavier defeat against the same opponents in the first phase, adding that the reduced margin showed that the team was making progress.

“We might be losing, but the whole team chemistry is coming well. The team is coming together. With time, we will surely be a force to reckon with,” he said.

The coach admitted that the team still needed to improve in several areas, particularly the effectiveness of its point guards.

He said the technical crew would use the experience gained during the campaign to strengthen every department of the team ahead of the next season.

According to him, the players are gradually gaining a better understanding of their roles, although the level of cohesion required to compete consistently at the highest level is still developing.

With the title defence effectively over, Ottah said attention had shifted towards rebuilding the team for the next campaign.

“By next season, I promise you that we’ll see a different and a changed Dolphins team,” he said.

Earlier, Victoria Queens defeated IGP Queens 59–51 in the opening game of the day to secure an eight-point victory.

MFM also collected maximum points without playing after Royal Aces conceded their final fixture of the day through a 20–0 walkover.

Royal Aces coaching staff member, Taiye Adeniyi, said the team arrived for the second phase with only seven players available.

He explained that injuries to three players further reduced the squad to four fit players, prompting the team to concede the game rather than risk additional injuries.

Adeniyi expressed hope that the injured players would recover in time for the team's remaining three fixtures.

Wednesday's action continues with Bayelsa Blue Whales taking on MFM at noon, while IGP Queens will face First Deep Water at 2:00 p.m.

Dolphins will return to action at 4:00 p.m. against Victoria Queens, while First Bank will battle Royal Aces in the final game scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

First Bank Rout First Deep Water as Dolphins Suffer Fourth Loss

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