Andrew Isokpehi, coach of Nigerian women's basketball team, has called on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to work together to ensure this season's achievements not coming to naught.

On the final day of the Zenith Bank Premier Basketball League, Isokpehi told reporters that more competitions should be staged for the Sunshine Angels to maintain the forms players earned during the league.

The coach said playing the league in phases improved the teams, as competition became stiffer with each stage.

"Format for this year's league is commendable. The players had the opportunity of playing for over three weeks at different venues. They had to improve themselves as it became more competitive," he said.

Gaps between leading teams and the lower ones had been closing up, according to the national team boss.

"In the past, it was easy to know that First Bank would beat all the teams convincingly. But this season, they struggled to win some matches. It is no longer a one-sided league and gives more choices for the national team," he reasoned.

Isokpehi's team has participated in the league as a member side and finished just fifth, but he assured that the team would be back stronger next year. (Xinhua)