First Bank Women Basketball Club began the Final 8 of the 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League with a 68-57 win over Victoria Queens at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos on Tuesday.
Both sides had finished level in the Atlantic Conference with one win apiece across the first and second phases, setting up a keenly anticipated opener. First Bank controlled the contest from the outset, taking the first three quarters 19-14, 16-7 and 21-11 to build a commanding lead.
Victoria Queens mounted a spirited rally in the final period, winning it 25-12, but the comeback fell short as the more experienced First Bank side closed out an 11-point victory.
The result hands First Bank an early edge in their push to reclaim the title. Victoria Queens must regroup quickly to keep their campaign alive, with the race to dethrone defending champions Dolphins continuing on Wednesday.
Bayelsa Blue Whales face ASO Sky Queens in the day's opener, while Victoria Queens look to bounce back against Nigeria Customs.
