MFM Shine in Monrovia as First Bank’s Registration Crisis Threatens WBLA Campaign

Posted : 07 November 2026

MFM Basketball Club have emerged as Nigeria's bright spot at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, maintaining their unbeaten record with an emphatic victory over Flames BC.

While MFM continue to strengthen their qualification ambitions, fellow Nigerian representatives First Bank Basketball Club are facing a difficult campaign, compounded by a player-registration controversy that has restricted their squad to just nine players.

MFM underlined their growing dominance in Group B with a commanding 77-46 victory over the Liberian side, consolidating their position at the summit of the six-team standings.

However, First Bank's disappointing 55-54 loss to FBA of Côte d'Ivoire exposed their growing difficulties, with the Elephant Girls suffering a second consecutive defeat.

The circumstances surrounding First Bank's participation have also raised concerns about the Nigeria Basketball Federation's (NBBF) administrative preparations for the continental competition.

The Lagos-based side travelled for the qualifiers expecting to have the permitted 12-player roster but were left with only nine registered players after three players failed to secure registration.

More troubling is that two of the unregistered players are regular starters, depriving the team of important experience, rotation options and squad depth in a competition where physical demands are considerable.

The setback has placed First Bank at a disadvantage against opponents with greater squad options, raising questions about the federation's coordination and handling of player registration for Nigerian representatives.

On the court, however, MFM have given Nigerian basketball supporters reasons for optimism.

Their latest victory took them to four classification points from two matches, having scored 136 points and conceded 82 for an impressive points difference of +54.

FBA of Côte d'Ivoire also have four points but occupy second position with a +24 points difference, while Energie BC of Benin Republic and D-Rockas BC of Liberia are third and fourth, respectively, with three points each.

First Bank occupy fifth position with two points after two defeats, having scored 90 points and conceded 114 for a -24 points difference.

Flames BC are bottom of the standings, also with two points, but have a -47 points difference.

MFM's commanding performances have strengthened their position in the qualification race, with their defensive organisation and scoring efficiency proving particularly impressive.

For First Bank, however, the immediate challenge is to overcome their difficult start and find a way to remain competitive despite their reduced squad.

The contrasting fortunes of the two Nigerian clubs in Monrovia have also brought the NBBF's administrative responsibilities into focus, particularly the need to ensure that teams representing the country receive adequate preparation and support.

With qualification places at stake, MFM will be hoping to sustain their winning momentum, while First Bank must find a response to prevent their campaign from slipping further.

Ultimately, Nigeria's continental ambitions should not be undermined by avoidable administrative shortcomings, especially when its clubs are expected to compete against the best in African women's basketball.

As the qualifiers progress, MFM will look to maintain their unbeaten run and secure their place in the next stage, while First Bank face the difficult task of reviving their campaign despite their registration setback. The performances of both clubs will be crucial to Nigeria's overall representation in African women's basketball.

MFM Shine in Monrovia as First Bank’s Registration Crisis Threatens WBLA Campaign

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