Dolphins women dedicate Zenith Bank, NBBF title to late founder, Aboderin

The Dolphins Women’s Basketball team has dedicated its second Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s League title to the memory of its late founder, Wale Aboderin, honouring his vision and lasting legacy both on and off the court.

Aboderin, who died on May 30, 2018, was a former chairman of PUNCH Nigeria Limited and a passionate supporter of Nigerian sports.

The late Aboderin invested significantly in the Dolphins, constructing a clubhouse and gym to develop players and ensure the team could compete at the highest level.

Dolphins Director Olumide Oyedeji told journalists after the announcement on Saturday that the victory fulfilled Aboderin’s lifelong commitment to the team.

Oyedeji, also a former national men’s basketball team captain, said the late philanthropist would be proud to see the team’s second championship even after his passing. The team previously won the title in 2015.

“Getting this far is a testament to what the founder did during his lifetime, and I am happy to be part of history.

“I was still playing when the late Aboderin started investing in the team, and after his death, there is a need to continue from where he stopped because he would not be happy to see the team not functioning again.

Over all these years, we have been working hard with the players and management, and the result is what everyone is witnessing, especially from the conference to the final against First Bank,” Oyedeji said.

For Oyedeji and the Dolphins, the triumph is more than a trophy; it is a celebration of Aboderin’s vision, dedication, and belief in nurturing Nigerian talent.

His legacy continues to inspire the team to maintain excellence both on and off the court.

The Dolphins claimed the title on Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, defeating First Bank 61-55 in a thrilling final that denied their opponents a record 10th championship.

The final was attended by Zenith Bank CEO Adaora Umeoji, alongside other senior executives of the bank, NBBF Chairman Musa Kida, and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.

Both finalists entered the match unbeaten in the week-long tournament. Dolphins overcame Abuja-based Royal Aces 66-54 in the semifinals, while First Bank beat MFM 47-45.

The Dolphins set the pace early, leading 33-30 at halftime. In the third quarter, they extended their advantage into double digits, though First Bank narrowed the gap to nine points by the fourth quarter. Regulation ended in a 53-53 tie, sending the match into overtime. In the ensuing five minutes, Dolphins outscored First Bank 8-0 to secure the title and the N7.5 million prize.

First Bank coach Juliana Akhere reflected on the loss, saying, “I believe strongly that we needed to better understand the instructions that are given out to the players.

“They need to work according to instructions. If they can do that to a very great level, things will fall in place.”

In the third-place match, dethroned champions MFM defeated Royal Aces 70-46 to claim the bronze medal. Individual awards went to Idubamo Beggi of MFM (highest assists), Wandoo Hembam (highest three-pointer), and Bidemi Ogedengbe (top rebounder), each receiving N500,000.