In an effort to develop the women`s league and increase competitiveness, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced that a new league format will be adopted starting from next season. In the new format, the league will be expanded into two tiers- the Female Premier League and the Division One Female League.
A member of the Technical Committee of the NBBF, Mr Ajibarede Bello, talks about the new format;
"The present league has 18 teams and an additional 6 teams applied to join the league this year. The league is current stagnant with this current arrangement."
"At the end of the season, the top 12 teams will form the Zenith Female Premier League while the remaining teams will become the nucleus of the emerging Division One Female League."
The 2017 Season tipped off in Abuja on Monday 10 April and the 18 teams participating were grouped into 3 groups of 6 teams each. We expect that the top four teams from each group will form the Zenith Premier Female League while the last 2 teams from each of the 3 groups will join the 6 teams that applied to join the league to form the Division One Female League. What we are not sure about is if the new league will be played in a tournament format with phases or if the teams get to play home and away games like their male counterparts.
Dolphins Female team is the only private-owned team in the league with its own basketball facility which comprises an indoor court, workout gym, swimming pool and chalets. An opportunity to play league games in this facility and in front of home crowd will be a major boost to the management of the team. Other state-owned clubs such as Oluyole Babes, GT 2000, Delta Force have existing facilities already being used by their male counterpart in the Premier Basketball League.
Image - Dolphins/Sule Itopa
Regardless, the new format will increase competitiveness in the league and keep people interested. The quality of games will also improve as there is a risk of being relegated.
"The expansion of the female league into two tiers will increase the number of female basketball clubs, the games and awareness generally. A lower Division Two League would subsequently emerge to take in new comers into the league. Teams can now aspire for promotion to the upper league". He added.
Yomi Elufisayo on 2017-04-12 23:32:08
Nice idea but let not forget an organized league system for both Primary, Secondary & Higher Institutions within Nigeria. The main league will be more strengthened with pool of talented players when there is an effective migration from a school system to the higher league. Players will also be encouraged to stay in school having in mind that there is a system that help for smooth transition.