Dolphins Urged to Build on Defensive Improvement After MFM Loss

Posted : 09 September 2026

Dolphins Basketball Club have been urged to build on their improved defensive performance despite suffering a 73-54 defeat to MFM Basketball Club in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League in Port Harcourt.

The result marked the defending champions’ third defeat of the phase, but head coach Okechukwu Ottah believes the team can draw encouragement from the progress shown in containing their opponents.

MFM took control from the opening quarter, establishing an 18-13 lead before extending the advantage in the second period.

The Mountain of Fire side outscored Dolphins 24-13 in the second quarter to take a 42-26 lead into the halftime break.

Dolphins struggled to close the gap after the restart, with MFM maintaining their grip on the game and winning the third quarter 16-8 to move 58-34 ahead.

The champions responded strongly in the final quarter, producing their most effective attacking display of the game to win the period 20-15.

The late surge, however, could not prevent MFM from securing a comfortable victory.

Ottah, popularly known as Kenzy, said the reduced scoring margin and improved defensive organisation were encouraging signs as Dolphins continue efforts to rebuild their confidence.

“We are trying to regroup ourselves again,” Kenzy said.

“We lost the game yesterday but, for me, this game was okay because we were able to cut down those points and contain them. We played good defence. The defence was tight, and I’m okay with the team’s progress so far.”

The coach admitted that Dolphins still have areas to improve but stressed the importance of maintaining a strong mentality throughout the competition.

He urged his players to approach every game with determination and continue working towards restoring the consistency expected of defending champions.

“Each and every time we step on the court, we need to keep fighting. That’s what makes you a champion,” he said.

“You can never become a champion in one day; you become a champion when you put in the same effort, even more effort, game by game. I believe we have now become a team to contend with.”

Dolphins will now look to convert the positive aspects of the MFM encounter into improved results as the second phase of the league progresses.

The defending champions will aim to turn their defensive progress and renewed resilience into victories as they continue their campaign in the second phase.

Dolphins Urged to Build on Defensive Improvement After MFM Loss

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