The 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 has reached its semi-final stage, with MFM, ASO Sky Queens, Nigeria Customs, and First Bank emerging as the top four teams. These teams secured their spots after winning their opening two games in Lagos, establishing an unassailable position in their respective groups. The semi-finalists were determined after a series of matches that saw some teams dominate with significant victories.
In Group A, ASO Sky Queens and MFM secured their semi-final berths with two victories apiece. ASO Sky Queens, who finished second behind Nigeria Customs after the two phases of the Savannah Conference, continued their impressive run with a 53-30 victory over Bayelsa Blue Whales. This followed their opening match with a 55-36 win over Titans, showcasing their strong performance in the league.
MFM, two-time league champions, also maintained their winning start, following up their 69-35 victory over Bayelsa Blue Whales with another convincing win over Titans. Their consistent performance has positioned them as strong contenders for the championship. The team's strategy and skill have been on full display, making them a team to watch in the semi-finals.
In Group B, record nine-time champions First Bank and Nigeria Customs also booked their places in the semi-finals. First Bank followed their 68-57 opening-day victory over Victoria Queens with a 54-39 triumph over Air Warriors to maintain their perfect record. This consistent performance has solidified their position as a top contender for the championship.
Nigeria Customs opened their campaign with a 55-41 victory over Air Warriors before producing the biggest margin of victory so far in the group, defeating debutants Victoria Queens 61-26. Their strong performance has positioned them as a team to beat in the semi-finals. The team's strategy and teamwork have been key factors in their success.
With the semi-finalists confirmed, Thursday’s fixtures will determine which teams finish top of their respective groups and how the last-four pairings will be arranged. Nigeria Customs will face First Bank in a top-of-the-table Group B clash at 2pm, while MFM and ASO Sky Queens will battle for supremacy in Group A at 4pm. These matches will be crucial in determining the final standings and semi-final pairings.
The semi-finals are expected to produce a keen contest, with the four surviving teams now turning their attention to securing the advantage of finishing top of their respective groups ahead of the decisive stage of the competition. The teams will need to bring their A-game to secure the top spots and gain an advantage in the semi-finals. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches.
Key points
- MFM, ASO Sky Queens, Nigeria Customs, and First Bank are the semi-finalists.
- The teams secured their spots after winning their opening two games in Lagos.
- Thursday's fixtures will determine the final standings and semi-final pairings.
