The 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League finale held in Lagos came to a close with MFM Women Basketball team emerging as champions, winning their third title in four years. The team secured the top spot after a thrilling game against First Bank, winning 66-64 points in overtime. As champions, MFM took home a prize money of N7.5m, with First Bank, the runner-up, receiving N5m and Nigeria Customs, who claimed the third spot, receiving N3m.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, represented by Executive Director Adamu Lawani, commended all the teams for their remarkable performance. Lawani emphasized the bank's 20-year commitment to developing women's basketball in Nigeria and expressed their continued support for the sport. He congratulated MFM on their win, praising their discipline and hard work, and also lauded First Bank for a game well played.
The third-place match saw Nigeria Customs defeat ASO SKY Queens 51-38 points, earning them the bronze medal and a prize money of N3m. In addition to the team prizes, individual award winners also received cash rewards. Ioumabo Pius of MFM, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, received a total of N2m, including rewards from Zenith Bank, Dam Foundations, and Xejet.
Other individual award winners who received cash prizes included Favour Anari (ASO SKY), Nwaado Hemban (MFM), Nkem Akaraiwe (Customs), and Marilyn Ofidibe (First Bank), each of whom received N500,000 from Zenith Bank for being part of the Tournament Top 5. The prizes were a testament to the bank's commitment to promoting women's basketball and recognizing outstanding talent.
The NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League has become a significant platform for promoting women's sports in Nigeria. With Zenith Bank's continued support, the league has grown in popularity and has provided opportunities for young female basketball players to showcase their skills. The bank's 20-year involvement in the league is a testament to its dedication to the development of sports in the country.
MFM's victory in the league is a significant achievement, especially considering their consistent performance over the years. The team's win is a reflection of their hard work and dedication to the sport. The team's success has also inspired young girls to take up basketball, promoting the growth of the sport in Nigeria.
The finale of the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League was a grand event, with teams competing fiercely for the top spots. The event was a culmination of a long and competitive season, with teams showcasing their skills and determination. The prizes awarded to the winners and individual award recipients were a fitting end to the tournament.
Key points
- MFM Women Basketball team wins third title in four years, takes home N7.5m prize money.
- Zenith Bank commits to 20-year involvement in developing women's basketball in Nigeria.
- Individual award winners receive cash prizes, with Ioumabo Pius of MFM named Most Valuable Player.
