MFM of Lagos clinched the coveted Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League championship, claiming the title after a thrilling 64-60 victory over Nigerian Customs on the final day of the Super Four tournament.
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The intense showdown took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The grand finale pitted the two dominant teams, both winners of the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, against each other.
However, it was the Shade Olukoya Queens of MFM who emerged as champions in a fiercely contested encounter.
Nigerian Customs had shown their dominance by securing victories against all their opponents during the First and Second Phases of the Savannah Conference. In contrast, MFM turned the tables during the Second Phase to secure their spot in the Final Four.
In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian Customs suffered a loss against Air Warriors, as the defending champions avenged their prior defeat in the Savannah Conference with a 42-41 point scoreline.
MFM had to rely on their experience to come from behind and secure a 59-54 point victory over Bayelsa Whales, edging them closer to their maiden title.
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Before the final game on Thursday, MFM topped the standings with four points, closely pursued by the previous champions, Air Warriors, who had three points.
Nigerian Customs and Air Warriors both held the third position with the same number of points, while Bayelsa Blue Whales, in their debut season, occupied the fourth spot with two points.
Under intense pressure, the Olukoya Queens realized that defeating the defending champions would secure their first championship title after the previous season’s loss.
They rose to the occasion, resulting in a game that ended 58-58 after four quarters, with MFM ultimately prevailing in overtime to claim their inaugural league championship.
In the other game, Air Warriors secured second place by beating Bayelsa Blue Whales 60-42, while Nigerian Customs clinched the third position.
Regina Donanu of MFM was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Season and the player with the highest three-pointers. Bayelsa’s Iwuji Vivian received the award for the highest rebounder.
Musa Kida, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, who was in attendance, expressed his gratitude to Zenith Bank Plc for their continued support over 16 years, underscoring the growth and progress of the league.
New teams such as MFM and Bayelsa Whales have demonstrated their competitive edge against established teams, signaling the evolving landscape of women’s basketball in Nigeria.
