By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
MFM Basketball Club ended Aso Sky Queens’ unbeaten run with a 60-48 victory on Match Day 3 of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 Playoffs at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The victory extended MFM’s unbeaten run in the league to 17 games and secured their place in the semifinals, where they will face Nigeria Customs.
MFM took control from the opening tip, edging the first quarter 16-13 before taking a 32-27 lead into halftime.
Aso Sky Queens fought back strongly in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to three points and threatening to overturn the game. However, MFM regained their composure in the final quarter, increasing the intensity to pull away and seal a 60-48 victory.
MFM captain Okoh Ukamaka attributed the team’s consistency to the strong bond among the players, saying their unity, hard work and mutual support had been central to their success.
“There is this bond we have that no other team can get or have. We are together. We pray and play together, and we work very, very hard,” she said.
Ukamaka, who holds a PhD in Strategy and Leadership, said her leadership focused on maintaining unity and ensuring that every player was respected and understood her role within the team.
She also praised the club’s management for providing stability, including maintaining the team’s salary structure, which she said had helped the players remain focused.
With the semifinals ahead, the MFM captain said the team would intensify its preparations as it pursues another league title.
The club’s youngest player, Hembam Vera Sewuese, also credited the support of her teammates and senior players for motivating her performances.
“What has been keeping me going is my teammates, the encouragement from my seniors, they don’t give up at all, coupled with the zeal deep within me to keep on going,” she said.
Sewuese, who emerged as the Most Valuable Player at the Zone 3 FIBA Academies Tournament in 2025, described her experience at MFM as more than basketball, saying the team had become a family that continues to contribute to her development.
“The bond within the team is impeccable, the love, this is a family, it’s everything for me, and I want to make them proud every day of my life, on and off the court,” she added.
In other Final 8 results, First Bank Basketball Club defeated Nigeria Customs 69-47, bringing Customs’ winning run to an end.
Air Warriors also finished their Final 8 campaign with a 60-47 victory over Victoria Queens, while Bayelsa Blue Whales edged Titans 43-39 in a closely fought encounter.
The semifinal fixtures will see MFM take on Nigeria Customs, while First Bank will face Aso Sky Queens for places in the championship final.
