MFM, First Bank Win Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Premier League Final-8 Openers

MFM Basketball Club began their Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Premier League Final 8 campaign with a commanding 69-35 victory over Bayelsa Blue Whales.
The former champions dominated from the opening quarter, securing a convincing 34-point victory.
First Bank Basketball Club also returned to winning ways, defeating Victoria Queens 68-57 in a keenly contested encounter.
Sky Queens of Abuja defeated Titans Basketball Club 55-36, although their encounter was disrupted by an electricity failure.
Nigeria Customs Basketball Club completed the day’s fixtures with a 55-41 victory over Air Warriors.
The games produced exciting moments as fans filled the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.
However, the opening day was marred by lengthy delays, repeated power failures and other organisational challenges at the venue.
The first game, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., eventually tipped off at about 1:00 p.m., delaying subsequent fixtures.
The disruptions frustrated players, coaches and spectators, while the absence of a clear explanation heightened concerns about the organisation.
The opening day highlighted the need for reliable facilities, electricity supply, effective scheduling and improved communication.
Despite the challenges, the matches produced competitive basketball as teams continued their quest for the championship trophy and two continental tickets.
Godgift Joseph, captain of First Bank, expressed happiness over her team’s victory and said it boosted their confidence.
“It was a great game and we had to work hard together as a team to claim the victory.
“We are going to take one game at a time and hopefully get to the final and win the championship trophy,” Joseph said.
Toluwani Arogundade, captain of Victoria Queens, said her team remained confident despite the defeat by First Bank.
She said it was Victoria Queens’ first appearance in the Final 8 playoffs and they were confident of matching every opponent.
“It was a great game and despite our loss, we are confident of pulling some strings at the end,” Arogundade said.