MFM Edge First Bank in Overtime Thriller to Claim 2026 Women’s Basketball Final 8

Posted : 05 October 2026

Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Basketball Club have been crowned champions of the 2026 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball National Final 8 after edging First Bank 66-64 in a dramatic overtime final.

The Yaba-based side held their nerve in a fiercely contested encounter that went beyond regulation time before finally securing the championship.

MFM established an early advantage, taking the opening quarter 11-6 through quick ball movement, disciplined defending, and effective teamwork.

First Bank attempted to respond in the second quarter, but MFM remained in control, winning the period 13-12 to take a 24-18 lead into halftime.

The champions continued to dictate the tempo in the third quarter, combining fluid passing with coordinated attacking play to claim the period 19-17.

With MFM leading 43-35 heading into the final quarter, First Bank intensified their offensive pressure in a determined attempt to overturn the deficit.

The Lagos rivals produced a tense final period, with First Bank gradually eating into MFM’s advantage before forcing the game into overtime.

Regulation time ended 56-56, sending the championship decider into a five-minute overtime period.

MFM responded with greater composure in the decisive spell, producing the crucial points needed to secure a narrow 66-64 victory and lift the national title.

MFM player Abigail Isaac described the victory as a reward for the team’s determination and belief throughout the tournament.

“We are happy to win the championship. We were not going to give up because we were confident that this was our year.

“We also have respect for First Bank because we know they are a great team. It was not an easy match for us.

“At the end, we are proud of our achievement,” she said.

First Bank’s Olanrewaju Ayodeji said her side had entered the tournament with strong expectations but acknowledged MFM’s success.

“It was a match we wanted to win because we knew we had the qualities to achieve it.

“We worked hard for this tournament, trained hard, and were confident of another fine outing.

“Unfortunately, it did not come our way, but above all, we are proud of our achievement,” Ayodeji said.

MFM earned N7.5 million for winning the championship, while First Bank received N5 million as runners-up.

Both finalists also secured automatic qualification to represent Nigeria at the continental championships later in the year.

Earlier, Nigeria Customs defeated Aso Sky Queens 51-38 to finish third and collect the N3 million prize.

MFM Edge First Bank in Overtime Thriller to Claim 2026 Women’s Basketball Final 8

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