MFM’s Final 8 Surge Built on Training, Trust – Owolabi

Posted : 01 October 2026

MFM Basketball Club’s impressive start to the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 has been driven by months of preparation, strong player relationships, and a deliberate focus on welfare, head coach Ochuko Owolabi has revealed.

The former champions demonstrated their strength on Day 2 of the playoffs at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, overwhelming Titans Basketball Club 79-50 to record a commanding 29-point victory.

For Owolabi, however, the emphatic result represents more than just a strong performance on game day.

She attributed the team’s consistency to a demanding training culture that has helped the players develop an almost instinctive understanding of one another.

“Training, training, training. We train practically every day. We don’t wait for a tournament before we train,” Owolabi said.

The coach, who led MFM to successive league titles in 2023 and 2024, said the players have spent enough time together to develop an understanding that allows them to anticipate movements without constant verbal communication.

“We have this bond. They know each other, so that A knows that if I go this way, B will be here waiting, even without seeing. C knows that if I dribble this way, B will be in front of me.

“They train so much, so they have this connection and everything. That’s what has kept us going,” she added.

Owolabi also identified player welfare as an important component of the club’s structure, noting that MFM maintains regular financial commitments to players.

“Once you sign a contract, salary monthly,” she said.

According to her, the arrangement gives players a measure of financial security and enables them to remain focused on their sporting responsibilities.

While MFM recorded one of the day’s most emphatic victories, other contenders also produced convincing performances.

Aso Sky Queens defeated Bayelsa Blue Whales 53-30 to hand the latter their second loss of the playoffs.

Nigeria Customs posted the day’s biggest winning margin, beating Victoria Queens 61-26, while First Bank preserved their unbeaten start with a 54-39 victory over Air Warriors.

Day 3 will see Air Warriors face Bayelsa Blue Whales at 10 a.m., with both teams searching for their first win of the Final 8.

Titans Basketball Club will meet Victoria Queens at noon before Nigeria Customs take on First Bank in a potentially significant encounter.

MFM will round off the day’s programme at 4 p.m. against Aso Sky Queens, with their growing team chemistry set to face another test.

MFM’s strong start has highlighted the impact of consistent preparation, team chemistry, and player welfare as the former champions continue their Final 8 campaign. Their next meeting with Aso Sky Queens will provide another opportunity for the team’s preparation and cohesion to be tested.

MFM’s Final 8 Surge Built on Training, Trust – Owolabi

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