The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), organisers of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, has announced new dates for the 2025 edition of the premier women’s championship.

This development is contained in an official letter signed by the federation’s secretary-general, Amina Amanchi, and sent to all participating teams and key stakeholders on Saturday.

According to her, the changes were necessary to ensure smooth coordination and logistics, as well as to give teams adequate time for preparation and travel arrangements.

Amanchi explained that Phase 1 of the preliminary rounds for both the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences would take place in two different locations simultaneously.

The Atlantic Conference preliminaries are now scheduled to be held in Benin from July 21 to 29,  involving all qualified teams in that zone.

Meanwhile, the Savannah Conference games will be held in the Federal Capital Territory from July 28 to August 5, hosting teams from northern regions of the country.

She noted that the federation has worked closely with state basketball associations and local organising committees to finalise the venues and dates.

Phase two of the zonal playoffs for the Atlantic Conference is set to be hosted in Ilorin from August 24 to September 1.

In the same period, Savannah Conference teams will battle in Jos from August 24 to September 1, a place in the national finals.

Amanchi emphasised the importance of these playoffs, as they will determine the final teams advancing to the national stage of the tournament.

She also disclosed that the highly anticipated National Final 8 will take place in Lagos, although a final date has yet to be confirmed by the sponsors.

According to her, the federation will announce the Final 8 date in due course, pending confirmation from the championship’s lead sponsor, Zenith Bank.

The NBBF reiterated its commitment to hosting a well-organised and competitive championship that will further promote women’s basketball in Nigeria and across the continent.

Participating teams are advised to adhere strictly to the new schedule and ensure early preparation to guarantee full participation in all fixtures.

(NAN)