First Bank, Dolphins, AHIP Win Opening Games

Defending champions, First Bank Basketball Club, Dolphins and AHIP won their opening games in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League, which began yesterday at at the sports hall of the Ilorin Stadium.

The defending champions defeated Oluyole Babes 67-23, Dolphins defeated IGP Queen 63-26, while AHIP beats Immigration 43-17.

The First Bank team (Elephant Girls) dominated the game, while the young Oluyole Babes team tried to contain them. However, the strategy did not work as the Elephant Girls controlled the game to the admiration of the fans.

First Bank girls could have done better if they had taken the chances that came their way, but will hope to consolidate when they take on Sunshine Angels this evening.

Some of the First Bank players who were in the D'Tigress team that defeated Cote d'Ivoire to qualify Nigeria for the Afrobasket and All Africa Games, did not play against Oluyole Babes, but would be ready Sunshine.

First Bank's Assistant Coach, Taye Adeniyi, told reporters yesterday that it was good starting with a win and promised that the players would do better today against Sunshine. "I am happy that we won. The players gave a good account of themselves and I am sure they will get better as the competition progresses."

Adeniyi, who stated that the girls are now used to the court and the rim, promised that they would do better against Sunshine Angels in today's game. "We didn't train on the court before our opening game so the game against Oluyole was a little bit difficult. However, the players will do better today now that they understand the court. The fans can be rest assured of fantastic display from the Elephant Girls," he promised.