MFM and First Bank Set to Compete in Liberia

Nigerian teams MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will fight for spots in the African Women’s Basketball League finals. They will compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The six-team tournament will happen at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville. The top two teams will qualify for the finals in Cairo, Egypt, set for December 11 to 19.

MFM and First Bank hope to continue their strong domestic performance in these qualifiers. They recently faced off in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, where MFM won a tight match, 66-64.

This result showed the fierce competition between the Nigerian teams. Now, they aim to prove themselves against regional rivals and secure their spots in Cairo.

Defending champions Friends of Basketball Association from Côte d’Ivoire will also be in the mix. They will be joined by Energie Basketball Club from Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The host country, Liberia, will feature Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, and the current national champions, D’Rockers Basketball Club.

The Nigerian teams earned their spots in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline. They also adjusted the competition schedule due to the late finish of their domestic league. This change was made possible by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retd.).

Preparations for the tournament are picking up speed. Flames president and Liberia Basketball Association Secretary-General Calvin Diggs said the organizers are working hard to ensure a successful event.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also shared his confidence in Liberia’s readiness. He pointed out the experience of the country’s basketball community in hosting international competitions.

With six teams competing for only two qualification spots, MFM and First Bank face a tough challenge as they aim to advance to the continental finals in Egypt.