First Financial institution lead 4 West Africa Zone 3 groups right into a decisive three-day contest in Abidjan, the place solely two will safe WBLA Zone 3 spots.
Reigning champions Associates Basketball Affiliation (FBA), fellow Ivorian facet CSA and Benin’s Energie BBC will be a part of Nigeria’s First Financial institution within the round-robin qualifiers operating from November 21–23, with the highest two advancing to the WBLA Closing Spherical in Cairo, Egypt, from December 4–10, 2025.
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First Financial institution Search Continental Return
Nigeria’s iconic “Elephant Women” return to the regional stage with renewed ambition. First Financial institution — nine-time nationwide champions and two-time continental winners — are pushing for a comeback after ending runners-up within the 2025 Zenith Ladies’s Basketball League.
Led by former Nigeria worldwide and U18/U19 nationwide crew coach Julie Negedu, the Lagos giants have added 5 new gamers to bolster the squad as they aim a long-awaited WBLA Closing Spherical return.
FBA Lead Cost on Dwelling Soil
Defending champions Associates Basketball Affiliation enter as favourites after a dominant 2024 marketing campaign wherein they retained the Zone 3 crown and completed fifth on the WBLA Closing Spherical in Senegal.
The Abidjan-based “Gladiators” have maintained the core of final season’s roster whereas including key reinforcements. Their unbeaten home run — together with victories over rivals SOA and CSA — cements their standing because the crew to beat.
Head coach Lemou Benga will financial institution on depth, continuity and powerful house help as FBA chase back-to-back zonal titles.
CSA Goal Upset in Continental Debut
Membership Sportif Abidjan, runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire, make their debut at this degree with hopes of difficult the hierarchy.
With minimal stress and appreciable potential, CSA purpose to disrupt their extra skilled opponents and struggle for one of many two tickets to Cairo.
Energie BBC Increase Squad for Stronger Push
Benin champions Energie BBC arrive contemporary off a dominant 67–48 league-clinching win over ASPAC.
After ending fourth in final 12 months’s qualifiers, Energie have strengthened with recruits from Mali, Senegal, Nigeria and Rwanda. Their improved depth locations them firmly in competition for a WBLA Closing Spherical berth.
Excessive Stakes in Abidjan
With simply two qualification spots accessible, depth is predicted throughout all matchups within the Zone 3 WBLA Qualifiers.
The street to Cairo begins in Abidjan — and each recreation will rely.
