Sponsor of the National Women Basketball League, Zenith Bank, on Thursday received the victorious AfroBasket champions, D’Tigress at the company’s headquarters in Lagos.
The Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Peter Amangbo, congratulated the players and officials for the remarkable feat recorded in Bamako, Mali.
D’Tigress were glorious at the championship as they won all their matches including two against the defending champions and tournament favourites, Senegal. The first was a group match which they won 58-54 and the second was the final which ended 65-48.
Amangbo stressed that the bank and indeed Nigerians were proud of the achievement of the team at the AfroBasket
He said: “It was not only the win that was exciting but also the way you won. During the competition, we were following your progress with keen interest and it is heartwarming that you came back as champions.
“We always support people who are committed just like you. Nigerians have made a mark in basketball. We all know about the exploits of Akeem Olajunwon. Raptors is my favourite team and the GM of the team is a Nigerian.”
The Zenith Bank boss also stressed that the company will throw its weight behind the team for the World Championship slated for Spain next year.
“Now that you are going to Spain, we are going to support you again for the competition,” he added.
Captain of the team, Aisha Muhammed, commended the bank for hosting the team, and supporting the game in the country.
“I am happy to be here because the support Zenith has been giving the game is a big one for our colleagues playing in Nigeria,” she said.
The team was rewarded with cash awards, which were paid into accounts opened for them during the visit, and for which they were all presented with Debit Cards.
The vice president of the Nigeria basketball federation, Babatunde Ogunade, who led the team showered praises on Zenith Bank for its continued support for the game.
He noted the fact that the bank had through its sponsorship of the women league enabled Nigerians women basketballers to challenge for the leadership of game in Africa.
Ogunade also said that three members of the winning team, Chioma Udeaja, Nkechi Akashili and Upe Atosu featured in the recently held Zenith Women league.
