The Olukoya Girls, the basketball team of Mountain of Fire Ministry, began their journey in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 Women Qualifiers on a disappointing note, facing a 53-48 defeat against ASPAC Basketball Club of Benin. Despite a strong start in the first two quarters, they gradually lost momentum and succumbed to the firepower of the Benin Republic team in Abuja on Sunday.

At the stunning MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5, Federal Capital City of Nigeria, the game unfolded as MFM Ladies took an early lead in the first quarter, displaying dominance and delighting the home crowd by leading ASPAC 14-9.

The second set also favored the girls from the South West region of Nigeria, securing a victory with a 13-point margin at 27-19.

The third quarter witnessed a turnaround in the fortune of ASPAC, as they staged a comeback, fighting hard to secure 18 points and leveling the set at 38-38.

MFM had numerous opportunities from the free-throw line, but they squandered them as resilient ASPAC fought even harder, ultimately securing a 53-48 victory.

The three female clubs, comprising the hosts Nigeria Customs Service team, MFM Basketball, and ASPAC of Benin Republic, are poised for intense competition, all vying for the coveted two slots allocated for advancement.

At the conclusion of the tournament in Abuja, the two qualified teams will advance to Cairo, Egypt, to compete in the final round qualifications at the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League scheduled to occur from December 8 to 17.