By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 23, 2025

Coach Peter Akindele dedicated the victory to Aboderin, who died in 2018, revealing a deeply personal connection to the late philanthropist.

“The late Wale Aboderin was a very nice person, always ready to help players grow. About 20 years ago, I met him when I had some players whose parents couldn’t pay their school fees. I took them to him in 2005, and he accepted them,” Akindele recalled.

“So when I got this job, I remembered the good work he did. I told the girls that this man left a legacy, and we cannot let it die. My goal was to win the women’s league in his honour, to remember the good he did in players’ lives.”

The triumph ended a decade-long wait for the Dolphins, who last won the championship in 2015.

“Nobody believed the Dolphins would win the women’s league this year. Nobody believed it. I am personally so excited to be in the final and to win my first women’s league title in Nigeria.

“Dolphins last won 10 years ago, and we needed to do it again. This is the Dolphins’ second league title, and we give glory to God,” Akindele added.

Oyedeji, also a former national men’s basketball team captain, said the late philanthropist would be proud to see the team’s second championship even after his passing.

“Getting this far is a testament to what the founder did during his lifetime, and I am happy to be part of history,” Oyedeji told journalists after the victory.

Akindele also praised the continued support from Aboderin’s widow, Titilayo, who remains actively involved with the team.

“She is in charge of the team,” he said. She usually calls me every day after our wins. She is a mother, and she does not want her husband’s legacy to die. She keeps supporting us with everything she can.”

Backed by Oyedeji’s leadership as the team director, the youthful Dolphins displayed resilience and quality to edge out the experienced First Bank side and lift the prestigious title along with a N7.5m cash prize.

The National Sports Commission congratulated the champions, stating their commitment to supporting basketball and every other sport under the RHINSE initiative for a renewed Nigerian sports economy.

Aboderin, who died on 30 May 2018, was a former chairman of PUNCH Nigeria Limited and a passionate supporter of Nigerian sports who invested significantly in the Dolphins.

Awele Okoh of the Dolphins was named MVP and led the top five individual awards, alongside teammate Tewogbade Mololuwa as the highest scorer.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 23, 2025

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