The Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball Final Eight began on Tuesday as First Bank of Lagos defeated Bayelsa Blue Whales 53-36 in their opening fixture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bayelsa initially pushed hard, edging close in the first quarter (10-11) and second quarter (10-13), but trailed narrowly.
First Bank led 24-20 at half-time, before dominating the third and fourth quarters 17-7 and 12-9, pulling clear of Bayelsa to seal victory.
The Lagos side played under little pressure but tightened defence as Bayelsa Blue Whales occasionally produced unexpected bursts of energy and attacking flair.
In another fixture, Air Warriors suffered heartbreak as inexperience cost them dearly, losing 54-52 to Royal Aces in spite of keeping the contest balanced until late.
Air Warriors held a seven-point advantage towards the end, but Royal Aces rallied, forced a 52-52 draw, and then snatched victory in the closing moments.
Elsewhere, Titans Basketball Club defeated Nigeria Customs 51-47, while Dolphins Basketball Club of Lagos narrowly overcame Mountain of Fire Miracles team, also winning 51-47.
Meanwhile, tournament sponsor Zenith Bank PLC announced N15.5 million prize money for the eight finalists, to be shared across winners, runners-up, and outstanding performers.
The champions will receive N7.5 million, runners-up N5 million, and third-placed team N3 million, ensuring substantial rewards for performance and consistency throughout the finals.
Additionally, Atlantic and Savannah Conference winners will claim N1 million each, while individual award recipients, including the tournament MVP, will pocket N500,000 apiece
