First Bank and MFM have secured their places in the final of the 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League after winning their respective semi-final matches on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nine-time champions First Bank defeated debutants Aso Sky Queens 61–57 in a closely contested encounter at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium to continue their unbeaten run and book a place in the final for the second consecutive year.
Aso Sky Queens made the stronger start, taking a 17–13 lead at the end of the first quarter, but First Bank responded to take a 34–30 lead into half-time. The Sky Queens regained the advantage in the third quarter, taking a 45–43 lead into the final period. First Bank fought back in the fourth quarter, before a crucial block from Olarenwaju Ayodeji in the closing seconds helped seal the 61–57 victory.
MFM reached the final after edging Nigeria Customs 64–61. They took an 11-point lead in the opening quarter, going 22–11 ahead, but Nigeria Customs fought back in the second period as MFM went into half-time with a narrow 35–34 advantage. Customs then completed the turnaround in the third quarter, taking a 47–44 lead into the final period.
The two-time champions rallied in the fourth quarter to overturn the deficit and secure the victory, returning to the final after missing out on last season’s final, when they finished third.
First Bank and MFM will meet in the final on Saturday, October 3.
Image: Zenith Bank
