By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
MFM Women’s Basketball Club have secured a place in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League after defeating Nigeria Customs 64-61 at the National Stadium, Lagos.
The victory extended MFM’s unbeaten run and moved the Yaba-based side one game away from retaining the league title.
MFM dominated the opening quarter, taking a 22-11 lead as Nigeria Customs struggled to settle into the contest. However, Customs responded strongly in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to 35-34 at halftime.
The two-time national champions regained control after the break, maintaining their composure under pressure in the third and fourth quarters to seal a hard-fought 64-61 victory and book their place in the championship game.
MFM captain Okoh Ukamaka described the encounter as a high-quality contest and praised her teammates for their determination.
MFM will face First Bank Basketball Club in the final after First Bank defeated Aso Sky Queens 61-57 in the other semi-final.
Ukamaka also credited the club’s General Overseer, Dr. Olukoya, and his wife for their continued support of the team, particularly in the areas of salaries and players’ welfare.
“I want to say a very big thank you to the G.O. and his beautiful wife. They have been a great support to us, paying our salaries as and when due,” she said.
According to the MFM captain, the financial support has helped players who combine basketball with education to meet their family and academic needs.
“We use this salary to take care of our families. Some of us are in school, so we use the money to pay school fees, buy handouts and take care of ourselves,” she added.
Ukamaka further highlighted the welfare provisions available to the players, including accommodation and feeding at the MFM Prayer City camp.
“When it comes to feeding, sometimes we don’t even spend our money on feeding. We get a lot of free stuff from them
“We have a comfortable home where we stay at the Prayer City camp, a home away from home. We have everything we need there,” she said.
With the final against First Bank now in sight, Ukamaka said MFM were determined to complete the season unbeaten and reward the support of their sponsors with another league triumph.
“We want to remain undefeated this season. We have played 18 games and we have won all throughout the season,” she said.
“We are looking forward to playing the final and, with God on our side, we believe we are going to win and retain our title.”
