The Chairperson of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Zenith Women Basketball League, Perpetua Clement has praised the standard of the just concluded second phase of the league in Ilorin, observing that it’s contributing immensely to the rise of the female basketball in the country.

Speaking to newsmen during the closing session of the Savannah Conference at the University of Ilorin Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, the former international player commended NBBF and Zenith Bank for supporting the initiative.

The tournament ran in two Conferences, which are the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences. Each Conference was made up of eight clubs, totalling 16 clubs in all.

The 1st phase of the Atlantic Conference held in Benin, Edo state, while that of the Savannah Conference was played in Abuja.

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 Basketball Courts of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

“We just concluded the 2nd phase of the Atlantic Conference here at the University of Ilorin Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, and the 2nd phase of the Savannah Conference in Jo’s, Plateau state, and four teams from each of the two Conferences will be playing in the Final Eight in Lagos in September, to finally determine the champion of the league”, she averred.

“I will like to take this moment to commend NBBF, and most especially, the President, Dr. Engr. Musa Kida, for the outstanding job we are all doing in organising the Women Basketball Premier League.

“The league has not only showcased exceptional talents, but also promoting Women basketball, inspiring a new generation of players.

“Special appreciation to the sponsors, Zenith Bank Plc, for their support. The sponsorship has has been instrumental in elevating the league, providing a platform for this talented women to shine. Their commitment to Nigeria sports is commendable, and is pushing boundaries towards achieving greater heights.

Perpetua Clement, former international, who played professional basketball both in France and Portugal, was a product of Obafemi Awolowo University, where, as a Students’ Union Sports Director, she inspired her team to back-to-back triumph in Nigeria University Games (NUGA).

The former First Bank Basketball player started her career journey as a track and field athlete.