Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM) have reclaimed the 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title after defeating arch-rivals First Bank 66-64 in a thrilling overtime final at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The victory earned MFM their third league championship in four years and completed an unbeaten campaign, while First Bank’s bid for a record-extending 10th title ended in heartbreak.
Key Highlights
- MFM defeated First Bank 66-64 in overtime to win the 2026 Zenith Women’s Basketball League title.
- The victory gave MFM their third league title in four years.
- MFM completed the 2026 league season unbeaten.
- First Bank, the Elephant Girls, were chasing a record-extending 10th championship.
- First Bank forced overtime after rallying from an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
- MFM defeated First Bank three times during the 2026 season.
MFM Take Control in First Three Quarters
MFM dominated much of regulation time, winning the opening three quarters 11-6, 13-12 and 19-17.
The results gave MFM a 43-35 advantage heading into the decisive fourth quarter and appeared to put the defending champions on course for a comfortable victory.
First Bank, however, refused to surrender.
First Bank Force Overtime
The Elephant Girls produced a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring MFM 21-13 to level the scores at 56-56.
The dramatic rally forced the championship final into overtime, setting up a tense finish between two of Nigeria’s most successful women’s basketball teams.
With the title hanging in the balance, MFM maintained their composure in the extra period.
The Mountain of Fire Ministries side outscored First Bank 10-8 in overtime to secure a hard-fought 66-64 victory and reclaim the championship.
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MFM Complete Unbeaten Championship Campaign
The triumph capped an outstanding season for MFM, who won all their matches during the 2026 Women’s Basketball League campaign.
Their dominance also extended to their rivalry with First Bank, with MFM recording three victories over the Elephant Girls during the season.
The latest win was particularly significant after MFM missed out on a third consecutive championship last year following a semi-final defeat to First Bank.
MFM returned stronger in 2026, overcoming their rivals in the league finale in Lagos to regain their position at the summit of Nigerian women’s basketball.
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