Teamwork Is Our Biggest Strength — MFM Captain

MFM Basketball Club captain, Okoh Ukamaka, has credited the team's strong run at the Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League Final 8 to teamwork and unity.

MFM kept their unbeaten run intact with a 60-48 victory over Aso Sky Queens at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, extending their winning streak in the competition to 17 matches.

MFM led 16-13 after the first quarter and stretched their advantage to 32-27 by halftime. Aso Sky Queens fought back strongly in the third quarter to cut the deficit to three points, but MFM regained control in the final quarter to secure the win and preserve their unbeaten record.

Ukamaka said the team's consistency stems not only from tactics and individual talent, but from the strong bond 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.

She said her approach to leadership focuses on promoting unity, mutual respect and ensuring every player understands her 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 commended the club's management for providing stability, including the regular payment of players' salaries, and said the team would intensify preparations ahead of the semifinal as they continue their pursuit of another league title.

Meanwhile, First Bank Basketball Club defeated Nigeria Customs 69-47 to advance to the semifinals. Air Warriors ended their campaign with a 60-48 win over Victoria Queens, while Bayelsa Blue Whales edged past Titans 43-39.

In the semifinals, MFM will face Nigeria Customs, while First Bank will take on Aso Sky Queens, with both winners advancing to the championship final.