Mountain of Fire and Miracles Pip First Bank, Win Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Final 8

Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Basketball Club emerged champions of the 2026 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball National Final 8 on Saturday.
MFM defeated First Bank 66-64 after overtime in a thrilling final that saw both teams battle fiercely for supremacy.
The Yaba-based side started strongly, displaying quick movement, excellent ball rotation and disciplined defence to win the opening quarter 11-6.
MFM maintained its advantage in the second quarter in spite of First Bank’s aggressive approach and determination to regain control.
The champions won the quarter 13-12 to take a 24-18 lead into halftime following impressive teamwork and attractive basketball.
The third quarter produced another closely contested battle as both teams raised their intensity, with every possession becoming increasingly important.
MFM, however, produced another impressive display, winning the quarter 19-17 through fluid ball movement and effective teamwork.
The side’s performance also drew strong reactions from the crowd, which became increasingly vocal whenever MFM scored.
First Bank responded strongly in the fourth quarter, mounting sustained pressure and refusing to allow MFM to secure victory.
The Lagos-based rivals battled throughout the final quarter, with First Bank eventually forcing the encounter into overtime.
Regulation time ended 56-56, setting up a tense five-minute overtime period to determine the new national champions.
Both teams created opportunities during overtime, but MFM remained composed under pressure to complete a 66-64 victory.
MFM player Abigail Isaac, who played an important role in the triumph, expressed delight after her team secured the championship.
“We are happy to win the championship. We were not going to give up because we were confident that this was our year.
“We also have respect for First Bank because we know they are a great team. It was not an easy match for us.
“At the end, we are proud of our achievement,” she said.
First Bank player, Olanrewaju Ayodeji, said her team had worked hard and believed it possessed the quality to win the tournament.
“It was a match we wanted to win because we knew we had the qualities to achieve it.
“We worked hard for this tournament, trained hard and were confident of another fine outing.
“Unfortunately, it did not come our way, but above all, we are proud of our achievement,” Ayodeji said.
MFM received N7.5 million as champions, while First Bank earned N5 million after finishing as runners-up.
Both finalists also secured automatic qualification to represent Nigeria at the continental championships scheduled to hold later in the year.
Earlier, Nigeria Customs defeated Aso Sky Queens 51-38 to finish third and claim the N3 million prize.