LAGOS (Nigeria) - Mountain of Fire and Miracles, commonly referred to MFM, is not new to seeking a spot in the Final Round of the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA).
Last year's team were sure of a ticket to Alexandria, Egypt, at the Zone 3 qualifiers, but were rudely shocked by ASPAC of Benin, who ended up joining the Nigeria Customs team.
Having learnt from that bitter experience, the Nigerian champions were better prepared this time around to secure a ticket and they did so at the second attempt in Liberia, where the Women's Basketball League Africa Zone 3 Qualifiers were held, reaching the final against FBA of Cote d'Ivoire.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR THE WBLA QUALIFIERS
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Women Basketball of Lagos entered the WBLA Zone 3 qualifiers after winning the Nigerian league in October.
MFM retained the league title they won for the first time in 2023 when they defeated Nigeria Customs 64-53 to become the 2024 champions.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR THE WBLA FINALS
MFM qualified for the WBLA finals after defeating Nigeria Customs of Abuja in the semi-finals in Monrovia, Liberia.
In the semi-finals of the zone qualifiers, MFM confirmed their supremacy over Customs with a late 57-53 victory to book their ticket to the final.
KEY PLAYERS
This team has good chemistry when playing together, but three players stand out: Wandoo Hembam, Idumabo Pius Beggi and Ukamaka Okoh (team captain).
NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Wandoo Hembam, Idumabo Pius Beggi, Haminatu Ayoka Ayodeji and Abigail Isaac
YEAR OF FOUNDATION & OWNERSHIP
MFM was established in 2018 by the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Olukoya.
It is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Africa with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
HEAD COACH
Lawal Okworogun Ochuko Joy is the head coach.
She is a former national team player and assistant coach. She played and captained Dolphins Basketball Club of Lagos and later became their assistant coach when they won the league.
She joined MFM in 2022 and led them to league titles in 2023 and 2024.
WHERE THEY PLAY THEIR HOME GAMES
MFM play their home games at the National Stadium Indoor Gymnasium, Surulere, Lagos.
FIBA