Idubamo Pius Beggi opened up on her journey so far, from winning back-to-back league titles with MFM Queens, to the lessons learned at the World Cup, and her hopes for the future of Nigerian basketball.
In an exclusive chat with www.aclsports.com, she shared her story, inspirations, and vision for the game.
The versatile point guard has been pivotal in MFM Queens’ rise, helping the team secure consecutive Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League titles in 2023 and 2024, including a 64–53 victory over Nigeria Customs in last year’s final.
Beggi has also shone on the international stage. At the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, she earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team, averaging 18.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game while leading Nigeria to a silver medal.
She continued her stellar form at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, posting 11.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, further cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s most promising young stars.
Capturing consecutive League crowns with MFM Queens was a milestone Beggi holds close.
“Winning back-to-back titles with MFM is very special,” she said. “Ever since MFM got into the league, they hadn’t won it until 2023 when the new generation came. We took the game personally and came out champions in 2023, 2024, and we bet you; we are coming back in 2025.”
Asked to recall a defining moment from those championship runs, Beggi said, “One moment I’ll never forget was the day before the finals. My teammates and I were open with ourselves, some even crying. We said, ‘We have to win. We’ve worked for this. We’ve prayed. All we have to do is get to the court, play, and dominate.’ Talking to ourselves, giving pep talks, it was really emotional.”
Her international experience has given her a fresh perspective on the game. Reflecting on the difference between African basketball and the World Cup, she noted, “The World Cup is the World Cup. The other teams have good facilities, are very organised, and have been together for years. We only had a little time to train and understand each other because we come from different clubs. Nigeria has a lot of work to do.”
Asked about the lessons she took from facing other countries at the World Cup, Beggi reflected, “The biggest lesson I took away is that it’s not all about strength; sometimes you need sense. Other teams are skilled, smart, and have excellent team chemistry. They know where to find each other on the court. We need more bonding, so we know what our teammates can do and where they can do it.”
On players she looks up to, she said, “I honestly don’t really have a role model, and I hardly watch the WNBA. But I love D’Tigress’ Ezinne Kalu. She inspires me. She’s a point guard and crazy about the game. I want to be like her, or even better.”
Beggi also shared her thoughts on how to strengthen domestic basketball. “Our league has phases and finals, but it should be longer, and other leagues should emerge. Other countries play different leagues repeatedly, which keeps players sharp. That would really help Nigerian basketball grow.”
With her talent and vision for the game, Idubamo Pius Beggi is not just winning titles, she’s shaping the future of Nigerian women’s basketball and inspiring the next generation with every performance.
