MFM complete perfect Atlantic run as Dolphins crash out

...First Bank finished second despite final-day defeat

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

 

 

MFM Basketball Club have stamped their authority on the Atlantic Conference of the 2026 Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, finishing the regular season without dropping a single game.

The Lagos-based outfit capped an outstanding campaign with a 54-48 triumph over First Bank, taking their tally to 14 victories from 14 matches and 28 points.

It was a fitting finale to a campaign in which MFM consistently set the pace, leaving their closest challengers unable to match their unbeaten march to the top of the table.

First Bank had to settle for second despite putting together an impressive 11-3 record. The bankers accumulated 25 points from their 14 outings.

Victoria Queens and Bayelsa Blue Whales claimed the other two qualifying positions from the Atlantic Conference, setting up a place in the Final 8.

The biggest casualty of the conference phase was defending champions Dolphins.

Their title defence ended on a sour note after a narrow 41-39 defeat to First Deep Waters on the final day. Dolphins finished seventh with only three wins from 14 games, losing the remaining 11.

The result brought a disappointing end to a campaign that never produced the consistency required of the reigning champions.

Elsewhere on the final day, Victoria Queens secured a 20-0 walkover victory over Bayelsa Blue Whales, while Royal Aces defeated IGP Queens 47-42.

MFM now face a new challenge in the Final 8, where their perfect record will be put under greater pressure against Air Warriors, who finished fourth in the Savannah Conference.

Nigeria Customs dominated the Savannah Conference, going through their 10 games unbeaten. ASO Sky Queens finished second with seven wins, while Titans and Air Warriors completed the top four with five victories apiece.

MFM is seeking to turn a flawless conference campaign into the ultimate prize when the competition enters its decisive stage.