Zenith Bank/ NBBF Basketball League Final 8: MFM Make Powerful Statement, Cruch Bayelsa Blue Whales As First Bank Bounce Back

MFM Basketball Club made a powerful statement on the opening day of the 2026 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8, cruising to a 69-35 victory over Bayelsa Blue Whales, even as the competition was blighted by lengthy delays and repeated power outages at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The former champions wasted little time asserting their authority, taking control from the opening quarter and never allowing the Bayelsa side to find its footing.

MFM eventually completed a commanding 34-point victory to maintain their unbeaten record and underline their status as one of the leading contenders for the title.

The Yaba-based outfit’s emphatic display was one of the major highlights of an otherwise frustrating opening day, with organisational problems repeatedly disrupting the schedule.

Record champions First Bank also returned to winning ways with a 68-57 victory over newcomers Victoria Queens in a match punctuated by several electricity blackouts.

Victoria Queens struggled to build any meaningful momentum in the early stages, allowing First Bank to establish a decisive advantage and hold on for the win.

However, the game was repeatedly brought to a halt by power failures, creating lengthy interruptions and adding to the frustration of players, coaches and spectators.

Sky Queens of Abuja also began their Final 8 campaign on a winning note, defeating Titans Basketball Club 55-36.

The Abuja-based side produced a composed performance to take control of the contest, but their progress was similarly interrupted when a power outage halted play for more than 40 minutes in the third quarter.

Nigeria Customs Basketball Club completed the day’s programme with a 55-41 victory over Air Warriors.

The Customs side capitalised on Air Warriors’ difficulty in finding their rhythm, controlling the contest sufficiently to secure a comfortable victory.

Three-hour delay mars opening

Beyond the results, the biggest concern on the opening day was the organisation of the competition.

The opening fixture was initially scheduled for 10:00 a.m. but did not tip off until about 1:00 p.m., resulting in a delay of roughly three hours.

The late start had a knock-on effect on the remaining fixtures, while repeated power outages further disrupted the programme.

The lack of a clear explanation for the initial delay also left teams and spectators facing an uncertain timetable.

The problems raised concerns about the readiness of the venue to host a major national women’s basketball event, particularly with some of the country’s leading clubs competing for the league title.

While the quality of basketball on display provided plenty of encouragement, the opening day also highlighted the importance of reliable facilities, uninterrupted power supply, proper scheduling and effective communication in delivering a major sporting competition.

For the players and coaches, the focus will now shift back to the court, but the organisers will have work to do to ensure the remaining days of the Final 8 run more smoothly.