Zenith Bank Women Basketball League: How MFM built the chemistry behind their Final 8 dominance – Owolabi
By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
MFM Basketball Club’s latest statement of dominance at the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 has exposed the work behind their success, relentless training and a team chemistry built long before game day.
The former champions underlined their superiority on Day 2 of the playoffs at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, dismantling Titans Basketball Club 79-50 in a commanding 29-point victory.
But for MFM head coach, Ochuko Owolabi, the result was not a surprise.
She believes the Yaba-based side’s sustained presence among the leading teams in Nigerian women’s basketball is the product of a simple philosophy, train consistently, understand your teammates and take care of the players away from the court.
“Training, training, training. We train practically every day. We don’t wait for a tournament before we train,” Owolabi told FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG in an exclusive interview.
The coach, who guided MFM to consecutive league titles in 2023 and 2024, explained that the club’s demanding training routine has created an instinctive understanding among the players.
The connection has become so strong for MFM that players can anticipate one another’s movements without necessarily having to communicate verbally.
“We have this bond. They know each other, so that A knows that if I go this way, B will be here waiting, even without seeing. C knows that if I dribble this way, B will be in front of me.
“They train so much, so they have this connection and everything. That’s what has kept us going.”
Owolabi also pointed to player welfare as another part of MFM’s approach.
According to the coach, players signed by the club receive monthly salaries, whether or not the team has a game scheduled.
“Once you sign a contract, you get your salary monthly,” she said.
The policy, she explained, provides players with greater financial stability and allows them to concentrate on their basketball.
While MFM grabbed the headlines with the biggest margin of victory in their own game, Day 2 produced several other decisive results.
Aso Sky Queens handed Bayelsa Blue Whales their second defeat of the playoffs, winning 53-30.
Nigeria Customs recorded the biggest victory of the day, crushing Victoria Queens 61-26, while First Bank maintained their perfect start by defeating Air Warriors 54-39 to make it two wins from two games.
The competition continues with another packed schedule on Day 3.
Air Warriors will meet Bayelsa Blue with both teams seeking their first victory of the Final 8.
Titans Basketball Club will face Victoria Queens while Nigeria Customs will take on First Bank in what promises to be one of the day’s key encounters.
MFM will then bring the day to a close when they face Aso Sky Queens in another highly anticipated contest.
