Dolphins, First Bank win 2026 Zenith Bank League openers 59-46, 58-56

Dolphins defeated First Deep Water 59-46 and First Bank overcame Royal Ace 58-56 on Sunday as the 2026 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League began in Lagos. The two established sides therefore opened their Atlantic Conference campaigns with victories.

Dolphins, the defending champions, secured the larger winning margin in a competitive meeting with First Deep Water at the National Stadium. Their 13-point success gave them an early statement result as they began the defence of their title.

First Bank had a much narrower escape against Royal Ace. The former champions prevailed by only two points, 58-56, after a close contest that remained in the balance through the game. The result still gave First Bank the same winning start as Dolphins, despite the smaller margin.

Victoria Queens also began the conference programme with a win, beating IGP Queens 69-39 in the opening game of the day. That was the widest result of the three matches played at the National Stadium, with Victoria Queens establishing a 30-point difference over their opponents.

Dolphins return to action on Monday against Bayelsa Blue Whales as the defending champions look to build on their opening victory. First Bank will face IGP Queens, while MFM meet Victoria Queens and Royal Ace take on First Deep Water.

The opening results leave Dolphins and First Bank among the early winners in the Atlantic Conference. Their victories are particularly significant at the start of the campaign because both clubs have already claimed the league title, with Dolphins entering as holders and First Bank seeking to add another successful season to their history.