MFM Basketball Club of Lagos will battle their perennial rivals, First Bank of Lagos, in the semifinals of the 2025 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball Final Eight.
Both teams secured qualification after impressive group stage performances, setting up a highly anticipated semifinal clash in Lagos.
Defending champions MFM slipped against Dolphins, losing 51-41 in their opener, but bounced back to beat Nigeria Customs 78-42.
They then outclassed Titans Basketball Club of Abuja 57-32 to seal a semifinal spot.
First Bank, meanwhile, defeated Bayelsa Blue Whales 56-36, then edged Royal Aces Basketball Club of Abuja 52-44.
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They completed their perfect run by humbling Air Warriors of Abuja 66-35.
Dolphins also maintained a 100 per cent record, thrashing Titans 69-39 and Customs 79-45 after beating MFM.
They will now clash with debutants Royal Aces in the other semifinal, with Aces chasing a shock result.
Coaches praised the tournament’s standard, crediting good preparation and funding for their teams’ progress.
MFM Head Coach, Ochuko Owolabi, expressed confidence in his team’s chances against First Bank.
Owolabi said: “It will be a great game.
“We have worked hard to reach this stage and look forward to proving our quality.
“First Bank are familiar opponents.
“We know how to handle them and expect victory to reach the final.”
First Bank’s Coach, Juliana Akher, said she remains unfazed by any opponent.
“We trained all year and are determined to achieve our target, taking one game at a time,” Akher said.
Royal Aces’ Coach, Olasegun Ojo, said his side would not be intimidated in their debut semifinal appearance.
Ojo said: “We will play our best game.
“We have worked hard and should not be written off.”
The 2025 Zenith Bank Women’s Final Eight is ongoing at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
