The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Basketball Club stamped their authority on domestic women’s basketball once again, clinching the 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title after a pulsating 66-64 overtime victory over arch-rivals First Bank in Lagos.
The triumph fetched the champions a cash reward of N7.5m, capping an intense campaign at the indoor sports hall.
A Dramatic Finale
The title decider lived up to its heavyweight billing. MFM controlled large phases of regulation play, entering the final quarter with a 43-35 lead. However, the resilient “Elephant Girls” of First Bank staged a fierce fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the deficit-laden leaders 21-13 to tie the game at 56-56 and force overtime.
In the extra five minutes, MFM kept their composure, edging the period 10-8 to seal their third championship in four years.
Podiums and Individual Accolades
- First Bank: Claimed the runners-up position alongside a N5m cash prize.
- Nigeria Customs: Secured the bronze medal after sweeping past Savannah Conference rivals ASO Sky Queens 51-38, earning N3m.
- Ioumabo Pius (MFM): Emerged as the tournament’s standout individual star, walking away with a grand total of N2m after scooping the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and a spot in the Tournament Top Five, boosted by additional gestures from Dam Foundations and Xejet.
Other elite performers recognized in the Tournament Top Five included Favour Anari (ASO Sky Queens), Nwaado Hemban (MFM), Nkem Akaraiwe (Nigeria Customs), and Marilyn Ofidibe (First Bank).
Sustained Corporate Backing
Representing Zenith Bank Group Managing Director and CEO Dame Adaora Umeoji at the grand finale, Executive Director Adamu Lawani lauded the competitive spirit displayed by all participating outfits.
Marking two decades of steadfast sponsorship, Lawani reaffirmed the financial institution’s dedication to grassroots sports development:
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“All of you already inspire every young girl watching from the stands tonight. Zenith Bank remains committed to the game. We’ll be here next season and the seasons after.”
Total team and individual cash payouts for the tournament reached N19.5m, further underlining the growing commercial value and competitiveness of women’s basketball in Nigeria.