The 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League finale in Lagos saw a total of N19.5m paid out in team and individual prize money. MFM emerged as champions, beating First Bank 66-64 in overtime to claim their third title in four years. The winning team took home N7.5m, while First Bank collected N5m as runners-up. Nigeria Customs won the bronze prize with N3m after defeating ASO SKY Queens 51-38.
The three team prizes totaled N15.5m, with individual awards adding N4m to the overall prize money. MFM’s Ioumabo Pius was named the Most Valuable Player and received N2m in total. Zenith Bank contributed N500,000 for the award and another N500,000 for making the Tournament Top 5. Other contributors to Pius’s prize included Dam Foundations and Xejet, each adding N500,000.
The Tournament Top 5 players, each received N500,000 from Zenith Bank. These players were Favour Anari from ASO SKY Queens, Nwaado Hemban from MFM, Nkem Akaraiwe from Customs, and Marilyn Ofidibe from First Bank. Zenith Bank Group Managing Director/CEO Dame Adaora Umeoji was represented at the final by executive director Adamu Lawani, who emphasized the bank’s commitment to the league.
Lawani described all participating teams as winners and highlighted Zenith Bank’s 20-year sponsorship of the league. He expressed the bank’s continued support for the competition, stating they would be back next season and beyond. Lawani congratulated MFM on their win and First Bank for a challenging game.
MFM captain Okoh Ukamaka expressed gratitude to the club’s General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, and his wife for their support. She praised the team’s unity and coaching staff, attributing their success to trust and hard work. Ukamaka also thanked Zenith Bank and other sponsors for their contributions to the league.
The champions, MFM, and runners-up, First Bank, will represent Nigeria at the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers for the 2026 Africa Women’s Basketball League. The continental tournament is scheduled to take place from December 11–20 in Alexandria, Egypt. This participation will provide an opportunity for both teams to compete at a higher level.
Zenith Bank’s long-standing support for the Women’s Basketball League underscores its commitment to promoting sports and empowering young athletes. The bank’s sponsorship has been instrumental in the growth and success of the league over the years. With this year’s prize money and support, Zenith Bank continues to play a significant role in Nigeria’s sports development.
Key points
- Zenith Bank and partners pay out N19.5m in prizes for the 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League.
- MFM wins the championship title with N7.5m, defeating First Bank 66-64 in overtime.
- Zenith Bank pledges continued support for the league, marking 20 years of sponsorship.
