MFM Clinch Third Title After Overtime Thriller

​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.

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​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:

​“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.