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Tag: Zenith Bank

  • Zenith Bank affirms commitment  to sports  development in 2026

    Zenith Bank affirms commitment  to sports  development in 2026

    The Management of Zenith Bank Plc has expressed the desire to maintain its position of taking sports to the next level with its activities in the New Year.

    Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of the outfit, Dame Adaora Umeoji, has reaffirmed the commitment of the apex bank to sports development.

    She said that in the New Year, Zenith Bank would do much more to take its respective sports events to higher levels respectively.

    Umeoji said: “We are always deliberate with our dealings with sports. We are committed to do it again in the New Year. We are proud of what we are doing and we will do more.

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     “Over the years, we have made our marks with our sponsorship of sports events especially basketball in which the women national team in recent times has some of our products representing Nigeria and winning laurels.

     “We have also been consistent with youth development drives in the past years because the purpose is to help build future champions for the country in their respective sports disciplines.”

    Zenith Bank are the sole sponsor of the annual national women’s basketball league, the outfit also sponsors the annual Delta State Principals Cup and the Headmasters Cup. The bank also sponsors tennis and swimming at elite social club level. 

    For basketball, the consistency in about two decades has raised the standard of the national women team with many players graduating from the league to join D’Tigress of Nigeria.

    D’Tigress only last year won the AfroBasket Competition for the 5th  consecutive time. The team was thereafter treated to a lavish reception in Abuja by Zenith Bank.

  • Zenith Bank’s tech fair awards

    Zenith Bank’s tech fair awards

    A total cash prize of N140 million has been awarded to 10 African innovators to scale their transformative solutions after a keenly contested hackathon and pitch session at the fifth edition of the Zenith Tech Fair.

    The fair, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate” was held the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The 2025 edition of the Zenith Tech Fair featured an expanded, dual-competition structure that included a high-stakes Hackathon for product development and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures, and drew participation from thousands of developers, founders, and entrepreneurs across the continent. The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 2,000 contestants that took part in the Zecathon. In the hotly contested final, two major winners emerged, each receiving the top prize of N30 million.

    The winner of the Hackathon, Trust Loop, clinched first place for its innovative solution that delivers seamless digital KYC and liveness verification. Simultaneously, the winner of the Startup Pitch Competition, Cubbes Technologies Limited, secured the top spot for its revolutionary AI-powered EdTech platform that enhances learning and career readiness.

    The remaining eight finalists across both categories were equally recognised, each receiving N10 million in non-dilutive funding. They include Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam and Zerax. All ten finalists will also be entitled to a six-week mentorship and incubation programme designed to help them grow and scale effectively, and this will run from December 2025 to February 2026.

    Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, for the visionary foresight that led to the creation of the Zenith Tech Fair. Commenting on the Zecathon, she said, “Our theme this year, ‘Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate’, is very timely. To appreciate its urgency, it helps to reflect on the speed of human progress. According to the Harvard Business Review, it took humanity millions of years to master fire, yet only 66 years to move from the first powered flight to landing on the moon. The lesson is simple – the next technological breakthrough will not take a lifetime. It will emerge sooner than we expect and could come from any one of you in this room today. We are confident that this Tech Fair will produce innovators who will change the world, and we stand ready to support you to turn your ideas into reality.”

    In his Goodwill Message, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, said, “This fifth edition reflects our unwavering commitment to create value through technology, innovation, and talent development. My vision is to continue to empower the youth through technology, with the hope that one day we will produce the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos.”

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    Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased technological empowerment initiatives to provide youths with adequate opportunities needed to thrive in the digital future. He said, “What I see happening here every year are things that we in leadership need to connect with. This is an activation that can bring life and real conversation to the young, dynamic, innovative, and creative young people that we have in this country. By 2050, half of the youth population in the world will be in Africa, and even in Africa, they will be in Nigeria, and if they are in Nigeria, they will be somewhere in Lagos, and we need to be able to fish them out. We need to give them an opportunity and a space to fly. We want to make Lagos the human capital centre of the world, where Microsoft and Google will think of raising a million tech experts. That’s the kind of vision and opportunity we want to leave behind.”

    Hailed as a resounding success by participants, the Fair showcased cutting-edge demonstrations on the role of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing in driving economic growth with Keynote addresses delivered by Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Managing Director, M-PESA Africa; Jonas Kjellberg, Co-Creator, Skype and Dr. Shivagami Gugan, Chief Technologist for Middle East, Turkey and Africa, AWS.

    The event also featured goodwill messages by the National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, ably represented by the Head of Service, Niger State, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Idris.

    Another key feature from the tech fair this year was the robust exclusive masterclasses delivered by global technology and consulting powerhouses: McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft. These sessions covered critical topics from cybersecurity to advanced cloud solutions and disruptive technologies, equipping participants with world-class insights.

    Aside from the thrilling musical performance by Nigerian musician Spyro, the fair also featured dual-panel sessions that were very insightful and highly interactive. The panel sessions both had Zain Asher, CNN Anchor, as host, and featured high-level discussants including Adaora Nwodo, Founder & Executive Director, NexaScale; Aisha Tofa, Board Chair, Startup Kano Centre for Innovation Dev.; David Kpakima, Co Founder, Rasab Group, Sierra Leone; Dr Stanley Jacob, President, FINTECHNGR; Iyinoluwa S. Aboyeji, CEO Future Africa; Gary Fowler, CEO & Founder GSD Venture Studios; Bradwin Roper, Chief Payments & Partnerships Officer at JUMO, and Mrs. Omoyemen A. Jide Samuel, Director, Information Technology, CBN.

    Zenith Bank remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, ensuring that the next generation of African tech leaders have the capital, mentorship, and resources required to achieve global scalability and impact.

    The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

    Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

    The Bank’s commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

    Zenith Bank has also bagged several non-financial awards, including Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

  • Zenith Bank pays N51.3b interim dividend for first half

    Zenith Bank pays N51.3b interim dividend for first half

    Zenith Bank Plc at the weekend distributed N51.3 billion as interim dividend for the first half of the year, highlighting strong financial performance of the first tier bank during the period.

    The N51.3 billion payout fir first half 2025 represented more than 60 per cent increase on N31.4 billion paid for first half 2024.

    The interim dividend per share of N1.25 was part of the highlights of the audited financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

    Key extracts of the six-month audited results showed robust financial position and growth trajectory, with gross earnings rising by 20 per cent to N2.5 trillion in first half 2025.

    Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Adaora Umeoji, said the half-year performance and significant payout underlined the bank’s commitment and enhanced capacity to continually generate value for its shareholders.

    She said: “We are pleased to have paid this significant interim dividend to our valued shareholders. Our half-year results underscore our resilience and commitment to our stakeholders. Based on the momentum achieved in first half, we are confident in our full-year outlook and expect to exceed shareholders’ expectations by year end”.

    She assured shareholders that the bank remained focused on delivering exceptional value and growth, driven by its strong financial fundamentals and strategic initiatives.

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    The half-year report showed that gross earnings rose by 20 per cent from N2.1 trillion in first half 2024 to N2.5 trillion in first half 2025. The top-line performance was driven by 60 per cent growth in interest income, from N1.1 trillion in first half 2024 to N1.8 trillion in first half 2025.

    The report indicated that the bank achieved the increase in interest income through strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.

    The bank’s balance sheet also emerged stronger with total assets rising to N31 trillion in June 2025, compared with N30 trillion in December 2024. Customer confidence remained strong, with deposits growing by seven per cent from N22 trillion in December 2024 to N23 trillion in June 2025.

    Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

    Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards.

    Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

    The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

    Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

  • Zenith Bank’s gross earnings hit N2.5 trillion in H1

    Zenith Bank’s gross earnings hit N2.5 trillion in H1

    Zenith Bank Plc has released its Group financial results for the half year ending June 2025, posting an impressive profit before tax of N625.629 billion. Following this robust performance, the Board of Directors  has approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, a 25 per cent  increase over the N1.00 paid in the first half of 2024, maintaining the bank’s position as a leading dividend-paying bank and reinforcing its longstanding commitment to rewarding its esteemed shareholders.

    The substantial dividend payout reflects exceptional underlying performance. Despite higher provisioning requirements from the industry-wide exit of the CBN(Central Bank of Nigeria) forbearance regime, the bank recorded a robust 20 per cent year-on-year increase in gross earnings, rising from N2.1 trillion to N2.5 trillion in H1 2025.

    Interest income drove this performance with an impressive 60 per cent growth, climbing from N1.1 trillion to N1.8 trillion. The bank achieved this impressive increase in interest income through strategic repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management.

    Commenting on the H1 2025 results, Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame (Dr.)  Adaora Umeoji, OON, noted that Zenith Bank’s ‘’performance reaffirms the creativity and innovation of our unicorn workforce in a dynamic operating environment.’’

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     “Despite the huge provisioning requirements as the industry exits the CBN forbearance regime, we’ve seen substantial improvement in our asset quality. Our balance sheet remains robust with adequate capital buffers, positioning us well to seize opportunities across our key markets,” she said.

    Building on this strong foundation, the GMD/CEO indicated that the bank expects to accelerate its growth trajectory in the second half of the year. She assured shareholders that the robust performance, combined with the improved asset quality, positions the bank to deliver exceptional returns, with expectations of a quantum year-end dividend for 2025.

    “Our shareholders can look forward to continued value creation as we leverage emerging opportunities and maintain our strategic growth with a strong corporate governance culture,” she noted, highlighting the bank’s track record of improving dividend payments even during challenging periods,’’ Dame Umeoji said.

    Looking beyond H1 2025, she reinforced her optimistic outlook: “We’re on a solid growth path that we expect to maintain through the rest of 2025 and into 2026.

    ‘’Our focus remains on innovation, digital transformation, and developing solutions that address our clients’ changing needs. With improving market conditions, we’re well placed to sustain this momentum whilst maintaining responsible leadership and delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders.”

    The bank’s financial performance indicates strong fundamentals in a transitioning macroeconomic environment, with profit after tax reaching N532 billion and earnings per share standing at N12.95 for the period under review.

    Net interest income demonstrated exceptional growth, surging 90 per cent year-on-year from N715 billion to an impressive N1.4 trillion, whilst non-interest income contributed N613 billion in H1 2025.

    The bank’s total assets expanded to N31 trillion in June 2025, representing steady growth from N30 trillion in December 2024, underpinned by a robust and well-structured balance sheet.

    Customer confidence remained strong, with deposits growing by seven per cent from N22 trillion to N23 trillion in June 2025.

    The loan book stood at N10.2 trillion in June 2025 against N11 trillion in December 2024., reflecting the bank’s prudent risk management approach.

    The bank delivered strong returns with ROAE at 24.8 per cent and ROAA at 3.5 per cent as at June 2025.

    The cost-to-income ratio stood at 48.2 per cent, reflecting necessary provisioning for regulatory compliance and the impact of inflationary pressures.

    Asset quality improved significantly, with the NPL ratio dropping to 3.1 per cent in June 2025 from 4.7% per cent in December 2024.

    The bank maintains a fortress balance sheet with capital adequacy at 26 per cent and liquidity ratio at 69% per cent, both comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.

    Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 16th  consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1,000 World Bank’s ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.

    The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

    Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

    The bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BAFI Awards.

    The bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

    Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

  • Zenith Bank Women Basketball League:  Dolphins beat First Bank to clinch second title

    Zenith Bank Women Basketball League:  Dolphins beat First Bank to clinch second title

    Dolphins Women’s Basketball team on Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, secured their second title in style after beating the record winner of the league, First Bank Women’s Basketball team.

    The 61-55 points in  overtime by Dolphins,ended First Bank’s quest for La-Decima after winning the title nine times in the past.

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    It was definitely all for Dolphins but they had to dig deep to secure the win after First Bank rallied back to tie the game 53-53 and led  into overtime.

    The champions secured the first and second quarters and deserve their win, with the president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, and the chairman of the national Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, present at the finals.

    The GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank PlC, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, performed  the official tipoff of the finals just moments after former champion, MFM defeated Royal Aces in the third place match by 70-42 points.

  • First Bank battle Dolphins in Zenith Bank/NBBF Women B’ball League final

    First Bank battle Dolphins in Zenith Bank/NBBF Women B’ball League final

    It is going to be a battle of two former winners of the Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball League after record winner of the league, First Bank, defeated defending champions, MFM Women Basketball team, in one of the semifinals of this year’s tournament.

    Despite trailing in three of the four quarters, the nine-time league winner overcame MFM’s attack to secure their passage to the final and a step closer to winning a record 10 titles.

    It was a difficult game for First Bank, their experience however counted in the 4th quarter as they defended their lead while running down the time to win the game 47-45 points.

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    Earlier in the day, Dolphins also defeated Royal Aces 66-54 points to seal a date with First Bank in the final taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Surulere Lagos.

    To get to the final, both First Bank and Dolphins won all their matches in the group stage, before eliminating their opponent in the finals, and with the two sides unbeaten, it promises to be an interesting final.

    The final, taking place today, September 20, will see MFM taking on Royal Aces in the third-place game at 2 pm, followed immediately by the 4 pm game between First Bank and Dolphins.

    The winner of this year’s tournament will take home a whopping prize money of N7.5m while the second place team win N5m for their efforts. The third place team will go home with winning prize of N3m.

    Other individual awards will see the MVP, best guard and the rest winning N500,000 each.

  • Zenith Bank announces N15.5m for Women’s Basketball League

    Zenith Bank announces N15.5m for Women’s Basketball League

    • First Bank, Royal Aces begin Final 8 on winning notes

    As hostilities began yesterday  for this season’s final of the Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball League, the organisers have announced a total sum of N15.5m to be shared by all the participating teams.

    According to Zenith Bank PLC, the champions will pocket N7.5m while the runners up go home with N5m as the third place team will receive N3m for its efforts.

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    Also, all the Atlantic and Savannah Conference winners are going to receive N1m prize money while also individual award winners like the MVP will go home with N500,000 each.

    Meanwhile, record winner of the Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball League, First Bank, yesterday survived an early scare from Bayelsa Blue Whales in their first game of the ongoing season’s  finals at the Indoor Sports hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    Bayelsa started by taking up points off their illustrious opponent in the early minute of the 1st quarter before the bankers showed their superiority as they finished the quarter 11-10, and went ahead to extend their lead in the 2nd  quarter to four points as the first half ended 24-20 points.

    It was all First Bank from that moment after winning the 3rd  and 4th  quarter with 17-7 and 12-9 points respectively to end the game with 53-36 points.

    In the first game of the evening, it was a big heartbreak for Air Warriors as they lost with just two points against Royal Aces.

    Despite taking seven points lead towards the end of the game, Royal Aces allowed their opponents gained momentum with the points evaporated with the game tied 52-52 with just a minute to go.

    With the crowd inside the hall expecting extra time, Royal Aces came up with the winning basket to secure the victory 54-52 points.

  • Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup kick-off in Asaba

    Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup kick-off in Asaba

    Over 1,000 secondary schools in Delta State have keyed into the bold vision of upgraded quality of match officiating, discipline and professionalism that have been introduced to the 8th edition of the Zenith Bank Delta Principals’ Cup Competition.

    The Consultant and Chief Responsibility Office (CRO) of Hideaplus Nigeria Limited, Tony Pemu, supported by the Zenith Bank representatives, led by Dr Ifeanyi Atama and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Mrs Rose Ezewu, on Tuesday in Asaba said since inception in 2017, the competition has produced champions and evolved into one of the most anticipated grassroots sports initiatives in the Nigeria.

    He said the competitors include over 1,000 accredited public schools and hundreds of private schools that will lock horns with a kick-off slated for September 18, 2025 between Zappa Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, and Omu Secondary School, Ibusa, on the Football pitch of St Patrick’s College, Asaba.

    Mrs Ezewu noted that Zenith Bank has driven the competition with unwavering spirit, discipline and determination, to emerge as the most celebrated secondary school sports platform.

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    Pemu also said: “The competition has fuelled grassroots sports development, fostered inter-school networks, and inspired both academic excellence and personal progress among participating students.”

    He added that the cash awards has increased from N1m to N2m for first position, while N1.5m, N1m and N500,000 respectively for 2nd , 3rd  and 4th  positions.

    The Commissioner (Mrs Ezewu) charged the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to curb cheating and embrace fair play so that true champion can emerge.

    She praised Zenith Bank Plc for the eight years of sponsorship, highlighting past participants excelling abroad like Ekemini Imen (Denmark), Okiki Vwegba and Okiki Oruese (Russia), Vwaire Owhigho Clement (Sunsel FC) and others at Morak Football Academy, Warri.

    Some of the past winners include Master Care International School (2017), Marvel International School (2018), and Ogbromo Secondary School (2024).

  • Zenith Bank/NBBF-NWBL:  Crunchy as MFM battle First Bank, six others in Lagos

    Zenith Bank/NBBF-NWBL:  Crunchy as MFM battle First Bank, six others in Lagos

    The  2025 Zenith Bank/ Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF)  National Women’s Basketball League tips off in Lagos today, September 16,  with eight teams battling for honours.

    Defending Champions, Mountain of Fire Basketball team are the cynosure of all eyes after winning the last two edition of the competition.

    The eight teams are expected to compete in a round robin format that will see the best team emerge tops from the points accumulated in all games.

    All matches are very important for these teams especially the favourites eyeing the 2025 title.

    Four teams qualified from each of the two conferences, the Atlantic Conference and the Savannah Conference. And so, The Titans, Air Warriors, Royal Aces, Nigeria Customs, First Bank, MFM, Dolphins and Bayelsa Wales Basketball Clubs will compete in the Final Eight at the Indoor Sports hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    From the results posted in the First and Second Phases of the competition, this edition will be a straight fight between defending champions, MFM and former champions, First Band just as The Titans could be spoilers in the mix.

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    The Chairperson of the 2025 Zenith Women’s Basketball League, Perpetua Clement, said the NBBF was ready to stage a hitch-free Final Eight, adding that the Musa Kida-led body has been working round the clock to put all necessary things in place for the finals.

    “We expect a big spectacle in Lagos and the NBBF is ready,” she said.

    The Group managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, said the company was proud about the progress of the women’s league with every edition getting better over the years.

     “We are happy that over the years, the league has produced super stars for Nigeria who are now very consistent on the African continent in the past 10 years. We are all happy with the amazing run of D’Tigress but the journey of some of these players started from the league here.

     “I wish all the participants the best in this year’s Final Eight,” Umeoji said.

  • Zenith Bank /NBBF Women B’ball  Final 8 begins Sept.16

    Zenith Bank /NBBF Women B’ball  Final 8 begins Sept.16

    Organisers  have announced a new date for the finals of the 2025 Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball League scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The new date will see teams arrive Lagos on Monday, September 15, while matches will take place between Tuesday, September 16 and Saturday, September 20 with the departure fixed for Sunday, September 21.

    In a released signed by the league’s chairperson, Perpetual Clement, while congratulating all the qualified teams, also appreciated the sponsors, Zenith Bank PLC.

    Eight teams made the finals with four coming out each from the Atlantic and Savannah and Conference respectively.

    Defending champion, MFM was joined by First Bank Basketball Club, Bayelsa Blue Whales Basketball Club and Dolphins Basketball Club from the Atlantic Conference.

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    The Savannah Conference have Air Warriors Basketball Club, Royal Aces Basketball Club, Titans Basketball Club and Nigeria Customs Basketball Club completing the eight teams that are expected to converge in Lagos for the final.

    “The Nigeria Basketball Federation and Management of Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc wish to heartily congratulate and commend all Finalists of the 2025 Zenith Bank

    Women’s Basketball League (ZBWL),” the statement read. “Your performances during the League were not unnoticed and were quite impressive. Consequently, arrangements have been concluded for the Final Leg of the 2025  ZBWL to take place from September 15 to 21, at the National Stadium,Surulere Lagos.

    “Teams are advised to reacquaint themselves with the NBBF rules governing this ZWBL to allow a hitch-free event.”