Dolphins Basketball Club have successfully retained their crown at the 5th edition of the D.K. Olukoya Women’s Basketball Championship, defeating hosts Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) 43–37 in a tightly contested final played in Lagos.
The win, achieved in front of a lively crowd, confirms Dolphins as two-time champions of the prestigious tournament, matching the feat previously held by First Bank.
|
|
The final, which was played on 15 July to coincide with the joint birthday of MFM’s General Overseer Daniel Olukoya and his wife, was part of a colourful closing ceremony that celebrated the tournament’s steady growth and impact since its inception.
Bright start
Dolphins seized control of the game early, racing to a 15–2 lead at the end of the first quarter and dictating the tempo for much of the contest.
|
|
|
|---|
MFM made a spirited attempt at a comeback in the final quarter, but the defending champions held firm to close out the win.
Speaking with journalists after their winning feat, Captain of the victorious Dolphins side, Damilola Olubode, credited the team’s preparation and unity for the victory.
“We are confident heading into the women’s league. This competition served as good preparation for what’s to come,” she said, adding thanks to the organisers and sponsors for the platform to compete.
In contrast, MFM captain Ukamaka Okoh acknowledged the strength of their opponents. “We lost to a strong side. It’s disappointing, but we are grateful to compete in a tournament hosted by our sponsors. It’s painful to lose first place to Dolphins, but we’ve learnt valuable lessons and will train harder moving forward.”
Coach Akindele Peter of Dolphins was full of praise for his squad, especially after significant changes in personnel from last year’s championship team. “I really feel good and I’m excited because last year we won the last edition. We came back to do it again and we’re very happy to have won it back to back,” he told PREMIUM TIMES. “50% of last year’s team moved to MFM, so we had to quickly recruit and build again. The preparation made the difference.”
He revealed that the team will next head to Edo State for the Zenith Women’s League. “In five days we’re travelling to Edo. Two of our players who are with the national U-19 team will also join us. They’ll strengthen this team even more.”
The genesis
The tournament’s coordinator, Godwin Enakhena, shared that the initiative began during the COVID-19 lockdown as a way to give players meaningful competition after months of training at MFM’s facility.
“These girls were training every day, morning and evening. I felt we needed to give them something to play for. That’s what birthed this tournament.”
Mr Enakhena said the competition’s purpose has grown beyond just competition to become a platform for youth development and national team scouting.
“It’s not about hosting to win. This is the fifth edition, and MFM has only won once. The idea is to build from the grassroots and develop players who can represent Nigeria.”
With seven of MFM’s key players currently away on international duty, including Wanda, Pius, Abigail and three others preparing for a trip to Algeria, Mr Enakhena remains optimistic.
“These girls will return before the league starts. Watch out for MFM in the Zenith League,” he said.
MFM Assistant General Overseer, Ladejola Abiodun, who presented the trophy to the winners, commended the level of play.
“This competition is not just about basketball. It’s about building character, discipline, and purpose in these young women. We are proud to use sport as a tool for transformation, and we hope to keep expanding this initiative across the country.”
Standout stars
In line with its reputation as a talent hub, the tournament once again delivered promising stars and standout performances.
Ajani Amjalat of the Dolphins was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her commanding role in leading her team to the title.
READ ALSO: Maktown, Amazon crowned champions as FIBA Africa Zone 3 Basketball Academies Tournament ends in style
The Tournament Starting Five included:
Ajani Amjalat (Dolphins) – MVP
Anari Favour (Dolphins)
Khadijat Ali (MFM)
Michel Angel (MFM)
Anita Precious (Amazon)
According to Mr Enakhena, plans are underway to expand the next edition to include male and female teams across Nigeria.
“The future of basketball in Nigeria belongs to these young players, and we’re committed to giving them every opportunity to shine,” he concluded.
