Teenage shooting guard Wandoo Marvis Hembam delivered a standout performance as First Bank Women’s Basketball Club edged Cameroon’s FAP 58–52 to claim their first victory at the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) in Cairo.
Returning to the continental stage after six years and having lost their opening two games, First Bank needed a strong response to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
They found that spark in 19-year-old Hembam, who came off the bench to produce a game-winning display filled with composure, confidence and timely shooting.
Hembam finished as First Bank’s top scorer with 12 points, the only player to hit double digits, shooting 4-of-10 from the field, including three crucial three-pointers, while also contributing five assists and two rebounds.
The match swung back and forth with 13 lead changes, but First Bank seized control in the final minutes. With the scores tied at 52–52,
Theresa Anya drilled a deep shot, assisted by Hembam, with 1:59 left. Moments later, the teenager knocked down her third triple of the night to stretch the lead to 57–52, effectively sealing the much-needed victory.
Reflecting on the intensity of the contest, Hembam said the team drew inspiration from the club’s identity.
“We did not have the best of starts, but it ended well and we are grateful,” she told FIBA.Basketball.
“We struggled on defense initially but made adjustments, relying on the experience we’ve gained in other continental competitions — and the Nigerian passion.”
She emphasised that the team embodied the strength and determination associated with First Bank’s symbolic Elephant.
“We embodied the spirit of an Elephant as our name suggests. We have a strong and bold spirit and we don’t settle for less,” she said.
“We brought that Elephant spirit and kept fighting, locked in and pushed for this win. It is a victory that boosts our spirits and if the chance comes, we will fight with passion to go further in the competition.”
Aside from Hembam’s heroics, Tobiloba Ogedengbe anchored the defense with 10 rebounds, while Marvellous Chizi Abel added eight boards as First Bank battled to control the glass despite being outrebounded 54–46.
With the win, First Bank remain third in Group B, keeping their qualification hopes alive through the best third-placed pathway, while FAP exit the tournament after losing all three group games.
The Nigerians now await results from other fixtures to determine whether their spirited fightback will be enough to deliver a quarter-final berth.
