First Bank Female Basketball Club of Lagos are awaiting the arrival of a player from Benin Republic in their camp this weekend, as The Elephant Girls commence preparations for the new season.
This much has been disclosed by coach of the side, Peter Ahmed, who said the Beninoise player will bring to 18 the number of players in the squad.
Sports247.ng gathered that 17 players have already been confirmed for the squad this week, with last year’s most valuable player in the league, Nkem Akaraiwe top of the roster.
Akaraiwe is joined by other top players like Nkechi Akashili, Mary Isuambuk, Deborah Mwakamma, Christel Kangai,Ojoma Ewaoche, Ifunaya Okoro and Grace John.
Also in the squad are Venessa Oduah, Theresa Ebiega, Sumbo Kelani, Tobiloba Ogedengbe, Ruth Udueyin, Motunrayo, Jimoh, Oladina Deborah, Musa Murja and Umeineh Abu.
However, Bilikis Titilayo is still out injured and Ahmed admitted she might not be able to join the team this season due to the severity of the complaint, which he said the medical crew is already working on.
Ahmedu added that The Elephant Girls’ target is to win the league as well as the regional Zone 3 title and do well at the African championship.
He said his desire is to have a good blend of the old and new players to build a solid team, hence the beginning of training at the sports hall of Lagos National Stadium, Surulere.
Ahmedu disclosed: “We opened camping last week and we have started training at the sports hall of the National Stadium in Lagos.
“I always demand the best from my players and that is why we start training early in the season so that we can be ready before the season.
“The bank has paid for the use of the facility and the players are ready for the new season.
“We have a management that knows the need to prepare early and the players are all excited to learn from the coaches.”