Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Basketball Club defeated First Bank 49-41 on Saturday to win the maiden Louis Edem West Africa Women’s Basketball Championship.

Both sides produced an entertaining final, battling fiercely for the trophy at the tournament’s inaugural edition.

MFM captain, Ukamaka Okoh, described the victory as a major confidence booster ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Women’s Basketball League season.

She said First Bank provided the ideal test and helped her team demonstrate its readiness to challenge for domestic honours.

“It’s a great competition. We thank the organisers for giving us the opportunity to showcase our skills and prove ourselves.

“We have been preparing all year for opportunities like this and we are delighted with the result at the end of the day,” she said.

Earlier, Victoria Queens of Lagos defeated GRA of Ghana 54-48 in the third-place match at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere.

Founder of the championship, Louis Edem, praised all participating teams and described the tournament as another landmark achievement for the Louis Edem Foundation.

“It is another great moment for all the teams that came for this year’s championship,” he said.

He noted that the participation of teams from other West African countries would strengthen competition and improve basketball development across the region.

“For example, the team from Ghana competing against elite Nigerian teams will return home better prepared for its domestic league.

“One important thing people forget is that it fosters regional cooperation, youth engagement and stronger relationships among participating countries,” he said.

Victoria Queens captain, Toluwani Arogundade, commended the organisers and described the competition as a valuable learning experience for her team.

She said the tournament exposed the team to quality opposition and would aid preparations for participation in the 2026 Women’s Basketball League.

One of the sponsors, B4 Sail Finance Ltd, said supporting the championship aligned with its commitment to youth development through sports.

Its business development officer, Oluwatobiloba Oladipupo, praised the standard of competition and congratulated MFM on winning the title.

“All the teams played well and it has been an exciting tournament from the opening day to the final,” he said.

He added that sports investment helps young people develop discipline, teamwork and resilience needed for success in their chosen endeavours.

“It is a way to promote discipline, teamwork and resilience, and we can see what the girls are doing,” he said. 

(NAN)