NIGERIA (National female league) - The first phase of the Zenith Bank League for Nigerian ladies ended in Kano late Thursday with a new leader on the league table. First Deepwater ladies who defeated eternal champions First Bank 63-61 when both teams clashed last week are leading the table as the ten teams in the league get ready for the next phase starting in Asaba, Delta State in about three weeks time. The Elephant Girls have always led the league table from the first phase through the final series since this league took the first jump ball about six years ago.
“It’s not over yet,” The First Bank coach Aderemi ‘Owolo’ Adewunmi said on the faltering posture of his team, “We still have two phases to go and those stages also count. This is just the beginning as it is a long distance race; how you fare in the next two stages will count.”
The Deepwater coach Lati Erinfolami took a diplomatic stand regarding the next two stages rather beat his chest for the job done so far. First Bank ladies also lost to Sunshine Angels of Akure which widened the gap between them and leaders Deepwater. Deepwater garnered maximum 18 points having won all nine matches while the Bankers have 16points to stay at the third position.
“It’s too early to celebrate because this is sports. As it is always said it is not over until the final whistle but nevertheless we are determined to maintain the tempo till the end this season. We are equal to the task,” Erinfolami said as his team got through their last game preparatory to their return journey to Lagos.
Much unheralded Sunshine girls are occupying the second spot on the table. The Andrew Isokpehi coached team has always shown great courage and style over the years but the young team rose above expectations this time. They lost to Deepwater by four points after leading from the first quarter into the fourth. Delta Force quickly grabbed the vacuum created by the absence of Dolphins and are holding on to the fourth position.
By Pius Ayinor, FIBA Africa