By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 17, 2025

Reigning champions of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, MFM, suffered a stunning 51-41 defeat to Dolphins Basketball Club on day one of the 2025 Final Eight playoffs, taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, The PUNCH reports.

The coach Ochuko Owolabi-led side, who have won the last two editions of the annual playoffs, were heavy favourites heading into the late fixture on Tuesday evening.

As expected, MFM were quick off the blocks in the opening quarter and made light work of their opponents. Led by the enterprising Wandoo Henbam and Idubamo Beggi, who featured at the FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brno, Czechia earlier in the summer, MFM took a commanding 16-5 lead.

They continued their dominance over Dolphins in the second and third quarters, as victory seemed a near formality. However, Dolphins launched a massive comeback in the fourth and final quarter, as they foiled every attempt made by MFM.

Successive three pointers saw Dolphins lead for the first time in the game in the fourth quarter, which they easily saw through to register a first win on the opening day.

In other results, Royal Aces Basketball Club of Abuja edged fellow FCT-based franchise Air Warriors 54-52. The Aces, who had lost twice to the Warriors during the first and second phases of the regular season, almost threw away the lead heading into the final seconds of the game.

With overtime looming, the Aces made sure that there would be no repeat of what had occurred during the regular season, as a two-point shot sealed a famous win.

First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos blew apart Bayelsa Blue Whales of Yenagoa 53-36, after overcoming an early scare to start off on a winning note, while Titans of Abuja saw off Nigeria Customs 51-47.

Day two of the Final Eight will see Bayelsa Blue Whales take on Air Warriors, Nigeria Customs will battle MFM in what would be a blockbuster clash, as both teams search for their first wins of the playoffs. Dolphins will face Titans in the third match-up of the day, while Royal Aces will go head-to-head with First Bank.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 17, 2025

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