By 
Nigeria’s FirstBank Basketball Club, the celebrated “Elephant Girls,” have roared their way to the pinnacle of African basketball. The team has officially qualified for the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Finals in Cairo, Egypt, following a flawless and dramatic performance at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
RELATED: FirstBank introduces Vybe Hub to elevate customer experiences for DecemberIssaVybe
The Elephant Girls emerged as the undisputed champions of Zone 3, winning all three of their games and securing their spot as the only English-speaking team to advance to the final round, scheduled for December 5-14, 2025.
A Campaign of Grit and Glory in Abidjan
Representing Nigeria as the nation’s sole representative, the team faced fierce regional competition from Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo. Their path to victory was marked by two standout performances that defined their resilience:
- A statement 66–55 victory over the home favourites, CSA of Côte d’Ivoire.
- A legendary comeback win, overcoming a 20-point second-quarter deficit to beat FBA of Côte d’Ivoire 63–59.
This triumphant run marks the team’s glorious return to continental basketball after a six-year absence, showcasing exceptional discipline, skill, and mental fortitude.
FirstBank Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Sports
The qualification has been hailed as a testament to FirstBank’s enduring investment in sports development across Africa. Olumuyiwa Olulaja, FirstBank’s Group Head of Human Capital Management and Chairman of the Sports Council, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment.
“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,” Olulaja said.
“This victory is a significant step forward in our mission to promote excellence in sports on the continental and global stage.”
The team earned the right to represent Nigeria at the qualifiers after securing a Silver Medal finish in the Zenith NBBF Women’s Premier League.
Next Stop: Cairo – Aiming for Continental History
With their ticket to Egypt secured, the Elephant Girls are now poised to compete among Africa’s elite. They carry the hopes of a nation and the pride of the FirstBank brand as they prepare to challenge for the continental title, aiming to make history at the WBLA Finals in Cairo this December.
