Zenith Bank Women Basketball League : MFM breaks Aso Sky Queens’ unbeaten run, marches into semi-final

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, at the National Stadium, Surulere

MFM Basketball Club reaffirmed their status as one of the dominant forces in Nigerian women’s basketball after putting an end to Aso Sky Queens’ unbeaten run on Match Day 3 of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 Playoffs in Lagos.

The result extended MFM’s remarkable unbeaten streak in the league to 17 games, while sending a clear warning ahead of the semi-finals, where the two-time national champions will face Nigeria Customs.

From the opening tip, MFM looked determined to impose their authority, edging the opening quarter 16-13 before stretching their advantage to 32-27 at the break.

Aso Sky Queens refused to back down, staging a spirited fight in the third quarter and reducing the deficit to just three points as the Abuja side threatened to turn the game on its head.

But MFM had the stronger finish.

The former champions regained their composure and raised the intensity in the final quarter, pulling away from the Queens to complete a 60-48 victory and preserve their unbeaten record.

For captain Okoh Ukamaka, the secret behind MFM’s consistency goes beyond tactics and individual talent, emphasizing that the unity within the squad, and the relationship among the players is the team’s biggest advantage.

“There is this bond we have that no other team can get or have. We are together. We pray and play together, and we work very, very hard,” she stated.

Ukamaka, who holds a PhD in Strategy and Leadership, said her responsibility as captain extends beyond what happens during games, with team unity and mutual respect as the main focus of her leadership.

She explained that ensuring every member of the squad feels respected has helped create an environment where players understand their roles and remain focused on the collective objective.

“There is no discrimination. We don’t treat this person separately from the other. When it is time to do the job, we all know this person is my senior, this person is a junior. We respect ourselves, we are here to play and to win. That is what we’ve been working hard for,” she added.

The MFM captain was full of praise for the club’s management, pointing to the stability of the team’s salary structure as another factor helping the players maintain their focus.

With the semi-final now in sight, Ukamaka said the team would step up their intensity as they continue their quest for another league crown.

MFM’s youngest player, Hembam Vera Sewuese, also singled out the strong support within the squad as a major source of motivation.

“What has been keeping me going is my teammates, the encouragement from my seniors, they don’t give up at all coupled with the zeal deep within me to keep on going, I want to play and play at my very best,” she stated.

Vera shot into the spotlight in 2025 after being named Most Valuable Player at the Zone 3 FIBA Academies Tournament.

She said her time at MFM has gone beyond basketball, describing the squad as a family that continues to shape her development.

“The bond within the team is impeccable, the love, this is a family, it’s everything for me, and I want to make them proud every day of my life, on and off the court,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, First Bank Basketball Club delivered another impressive performance, shattering Nigeria Customs’ successful run with a convincing 69-47 victory.

Air Warriors closed their Final 8 campaign on a winning note, defeating Victoria Queens 60-47, while Bayelsa Blue Whales edged Titans 43-39 in a tightly contested encounter.

The semi-final line-up will now see MFM face Nigeria Customs, while First Bank take on Aso Sky Queens, with both games offering a place in the championship final.