First Bank lead four West Africa Zone 3 teams into a decisive three-day contest in Abidjan, where only two will secure WBLA Zone 3 spots.
Reigning champions Friends Basketball Association (FBA), fellow Ivorian side CSA and Benin’s Energie BBC will join Nigeria’s First Bank in the round-robin qualifiers running from November 21–23, with the top two advancing to the WBLA Final Round in Cairo, Egypt, from December 4–10, 2025.
First Bank Seek Continental Return
Nigeria’s iconic “Elephant Girls” return to the regional stage with renewed ambition. First Bank — nine-time national champions and two-time continental winners — are pushing for a comeback after finishing runners-up in the 2025 Zenith Women’s Basketball League.
Led by former Nigeria international and U18/U19 national team coach Julie Negedu, the Lagos giants have added five new players to reinforce the squad as they target a long-awaited WBLA Final Round return.
FBA Lead Charge on Home Soil
Defending champions Friends Basketball Association enter as favourites after a dominant 2024 campaign in which they retained the Zone 3 crown and finished fifth at the WBLA Final Round in Senegal.
The Abidjan-based “Gladiators” have maintained the core of last season’s roster while adding key reinforcements. Their unbeaten domestic run — including victories over rivals SOA and CSA — cements their status as the team to beat.
Head coach Lemou Benga will bank on depth, continuity and strong home support as FBA chase back-to-back zonal titles.
CSA Target Upset in Continental Debut
Club Sportif Abidjan, runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire, make their debut at this level with hopes of challenging the hierarchy.
With minimal pressure and considerable potential, CSA aim to disrupt their more experienced opponents and fight for one of the two tickets to Cairo.
Energie BBC Boost Squad for Stronger Push
Benin champions Energie BBC arrive fresh off a dominant 67–48 league-clinching win over ASPAC.
After finishing fourth in last year’s qualifiers, Energie have strengthened with recruits from Mali, Senegal, Nigeria and Rwanda. Their improved depth places them firmly in contention for a WBLA Final Round berth.
High Stakes in Abidjan
With just two qualification spots available, intensity is expected across all matchups in the Zone 3 WBLA Qualifiers.
The road to Cairo begins in Abidjan — and every game will count.
