‘We train every day’ – Owolabi reveals MFM’s winning formula
There is no shortcut behind MFM Basketball Club’s sustained success in Nigerian women’s basketball, according to head coach Ochuko Owolabi, who says relentless preparation and a deep understanding among the players have become the foundation of the team’s winning culture.
That philosophy was evident on Day 2 of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8 Playoffs in Lagos, where MFM dismantled Titans Basketball Club 79-50 to register one of the most emphatic victories of the day.
The 29-point triumph for coach Owolabi, it is merely a reflection of the work that takes place long before the players step onto the court.
Speaking exclusively to FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG’s Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the National Stadium, Surulere, the coach stressed that MFM does not wait for competitions before preparing.
“Training, training, training. We train practically every day. We don’t wait for a tournament before we train,” Owolabi said.
The intensity of that routine, she explained, has allowed MFM’s players to develop an almost instinctive connection on the court.
Players have become familiar with one another’s movements to the extent that they can anticipate where a teammate will be without needing to constantly communicate.
“We have this bond. They know each other, so A knows that if I go this way, B will be here waiting, even without seeing. C knows that if I dribble this way, B will be in front of me.
“They train so much, so they have this connection and everything. That’s what has kept us going.”
Owolabi has been central to MFM’s recent dominance, having guided the Yaba-based outfit to consecutive league championships in 2023 and 2024.
But the coach says the club’s philosophy extends beyond what happens during training sessions and games.
MFM has also introduced a monthly salary structure for its players, a move Owolabi says forms part of the club’s commitment to their welfare.
“Once you sign a contract, salary monthly,” she said, stressing that players continue to receive their salaries even when there is no game scheduled.
While MFM enjoyed a comfortable victory, the second day of the Final 8 produced several other significant results.
Aso Sky Queens handed Bayelsa Blue Whales their second consecutive defeat, beating the Bayelsa side 53-30.
Nigeria Customs delivered the day’s biggest margin of victory, overwhelming Victoria Queens 61-26, while First Bank continued their unbeaten start by defeating Air Warriors 54-39.
The race continues on Day 3, with Air Warriors and Bayelsa Blue Whales meeting at 10am in search of their first victory.
Titans will then face Victoria Queens at noon before Nigeria Customs take on First Bank.
MFM’s next test comes at 4pm when the former champions confront Aso Sky Queens in one of the day’s standout fixtures.
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