Scott Nnaji hails talents In Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League

Former D’Tigers head coach, Scott Nnaji, has praised Zenith Bank Plc for its ongoing sponsorship of the Women’s Premier Basketball League, in collaboration with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), aimed at fostering the development of young talents across the country.

Nnaji, who was at the stadium to watch some matches of the 2025 league season at the Savannah Conference Centre, currently taking place at the Indoor Basketball Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, noted the emergence of numerous promising young players in the league. He asserted that this trend is a positive development for the future of basketball in Nigeria.

He urged corporate bodies and affluent individuals to follow Zenith Bank’s example by investing in domestic basketball, thereby supporting the growth and development of young aspiring players.

“We want to see the game improve and grow. The only area where we are truly excelling at the moment is the influx of young people interested in playing the game within the league. This is crucial for our basketball development. It is now up to corporate bodies and individuals to support the game, as Zenith Bank has been doing for many years,” Nnaji stated.

“Zenith Bank has been a long-standing supporter, and we hope other corporate entities will join forces to encourage young players, particularly young female athletes, to pursue their careers in basketball,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Customs girls bounced back to winning ways with a commanding 79-44 victory over Kada Angeles after losing their matches against Titans 71-57 and Air Warriors 64-56 in matchdays 2 and 3, respectively.

The Customs girls, in desperate need of a turnaround, started brightly, taking the first quarter 16-11, winning the second quarter 23-12, the third 23-09, and sealing the victory in the final quarter with a score of 17-12.

In another matchday 4 played Friday, Plateau Rocks suffered their third defeat in the first phase of the Savannah Conference, losing 53-44 to Titans.

Coach Ringsum Solomon’s girls, who were seeking their second win in the conference after a convincing 79-40 triumph over the Ham Warriors on Day 3, found Titans tough to break. They lost the first quarter 07-18, took the second quarter 11-07, but Titans came strong again, winning the third quarter 15-17 and drawing the last quarter 11-11 to secure the win at 53-44.

The first phase of the Savannah Conference is expected to conclude on Monday, 4th August, with the next phase moving to Jos, Plateau State, commencing on 24th August.

*Governor Makinde Pledges Buses, Backs 3SC Ahead of NPFL26 Kickoff*

In a major boost for football development in the State, Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde has pledged to provide a 38-seater bus and an 18-seater bus to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

The governor made this announcement on Wednesday while hosting the club’s board members at his Ikolaba residence, reiterating his commitment to the Oluyole Warriors as they prepare for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL26) season.

Governor Makinde expressed his belief that the ongoing restructuring of 3SC will position the team for greater success, including a potential continental appearance at the end of the upcoming season. He reaffirmed his full support for the board and its vision to elevate the club.

It would be recalled that on July 7, 2025, the governor dissolved the former 3SC board and appointed Hon. Lekan Salami as the new chairman. Since their appointment, the new board members have pledged to usher in an era of innovation, competitiveness, and unity in the club’s operations.

Excitement continues to build as NPFL26 kicks off on August 22, 2025, with Shooting Stars hosting Bayelsa United in Matchday 1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, marking the start of a season that fans hope will deliver both strong league performance and continental aspirations.