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MFM Basketball Club captain, Okoh Ukamaka, has credited the team’s unity and strong teamwork for their impressive performance at the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League Final 8.
MFM extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches after defeating Aso Sky Queens 60-48 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
MFM started strongly, leading 16-13 at the end of the first quarter before extending the advantage to 32-27 at halftime.
Aso Sky Queens responded in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to three points, but MFM regained control in the final period to secure another victory.
Ukamaka said the team’s consistency was not based solely on tactics or individual talent, but also on the strong relationship among the players.
“There is this bond we have that no other team can get or have. We are together. We pray and play together, and we work very hard,” she said.
The captain said her leadership had focused on promoting unity, mutual respect and a clear understanding of each player’s role.
“There is no discrimination. We don’t treat this person separately from the other. When it is time to do the job, we all know this person is my senior, this person is a junior.
“We respect ourselves; we are here to play and to win. That is what we’ve been working hard for,” she added.
Ukamaka also praised the club’s management for providing stability and ensuring regular payment of players’ salaries.
She said MFM would step up preparations for the semifinal as the team continues its pursuit of another league title.
In other Final 8 results, First Bank Basketball Club defeated Nigeria Customs 69-47, while Air Warriors beat Victoria Queens 60-48. Bayelsa Blue Whales also edged Titans 43-39.
MFM will face Nigeria Customs in the semifinals, while First Bank will take on Aso Sky Queens, with the winners advancing to the championship final.
