The 2025 Zenith Bank Basketball League champions, First Bank, lost 85–48 to defending champions Ferroviario Maputo in their opening game of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) in Cairo on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The tournament, running from Friday 5 to Sunday 14 December 2025, saw the Elephant Girls return to the continental stage after a six-year absence. However, they were rocked by a blistering opening spell from the three-time champions at the Prince Abdallah Al Faisal Sports Hall, as the Mozambicans raced to a commanding 34–7 first-quarter lead. Although First Bank steadied in the second (17–12), third (19–15) and fourth (15–14) quarters, the early damage proved too much to overturn.
Ferroviario’s pressure forced 25 turnovers — a key factor in the Nigerians conceding 36 points off giveaways and 40 fast-break points. Despite the deficit, First Bank battled on the glass, pulling down 44 rebounds, including 17 offensive boards, which helped them generate 12 second-chance points. The bench also provided a lift with 27 points, showing depth that could prove crucial as the group stage progresses.
However, Ferroviario’s efficiency in the paint (42 points), superior ball movement (29 assists) and strong defensive presence (16 steals) made the difference, with the champions displaying the form that won them last year’s title.
Theresa Anya Ebiega led the Elephant Girls with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals, putting in over 32 minutes of hard work. Daphne Olugbagho added 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a game-high 6 steals, while Momoluwa Tewogbade contributed 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist off the bench.
For Ferroviario Maputo, Stefania Chiziane powered the defending champions with 22 points, while 2019 WBLA MVP Ingvild Mucauro added 13 points as the Mozambican side controlled the game from start to finish against First Bank.
The loss leaves First Bank with work to do in Group B, where they will face KPA Women’s Basketball Team next as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive.
