After narrowly missing the playoffs, the next best place for FAP and First Bank was ninth. They battled it out in a low-scoring, tightly contested game that went down to the wire, but FAP ultimately came out on top, 48-42.
Last Updated on
December 12, 2025
The game got off to a scorching start when Theresa Ebiega of First Bank dropped a three-pointer to get the proceedings underway. FAP did not take this lying down when Nkem Akaraiwe scored a turnaround jump shot that put FAP on the scoreboard. However, it quickly became quiet as neither team could score. However, that deadlock was broken by the Cameroonian teenager, Damaris Emédié, who first split the pair at the free throw line and then scored a fast break layup.
It was evident that it would be a low-scoring game as both teams struggled to connect with the bottom of the net - often making unforced turnovers. The frustration from both coaches was mounting, and they were forced to make rotations. Again, Damaris Emédié was the one who broke the deadlock from another fastbreak.
Raissa Mogoun then scored a layup to take FAP up by six points. First Bank's teenager, Abigail Isaac, removed the scoring lid on her team with a mid-range jump shot. This led to a three-pointer by Wandoo Hembam, making it a one-point game. FAP then went on a 6-0 run to close the quarter off at 15-8.
The second quarter started even slower. The defensive intensity from both teams was high, leading to not just stops but also fouls. Adrianne Abada opened the scoring for FAP with a free throw. Thereafter, there was a two-minute dry spell during which neither team could score. Eventually, this was broken when First Bank's Bai Sangare scored a free throw. This was the first point in First Bank's 8-0 run. During this run, Victoria Majekodunmi scored a three-pointer, then Momoluwa Tewogbade stole the ball and went for a fastbreak layup. This exact scenario was repeated, but this time by Bai Sangare. Just like that, First Bank tied the game.
FAP seemed to run out of answers, but Nkem Akaraiwe split the pair at the free-throw line. First Bank was not done with their attack. Daphne Olugbagho scored a layup, and then Bai Sangare stole the ball and went for a reverse layup, putting First Bank up three. FAP then went on a 4-0 run, courtesy of Kelya Kipo and Raissa Mogoun. However, Marilyn Ogoigbe went perfect on the line to give First Bank a 22-21 lead at the half.
The halftime talk paid dividends for FAP, who came out as a completely different team with a quick 6-0 run. This prompted a First Bank timeout. This timeout worked perfectly for them on the defensive end, but provided little relief on offence as they remained scoreless for the first six minutes. During this dry spell, Kelya Kipo added two more points for FAP.
The following two minutes were filled with many missed shots and poor ball control. There were many unforced turnovers and overall bad decisions. It was a testament to the toll the WBLA took on their bodies. However, First Bank exploited a weakness in FAP's defence and made several trips to the free throw line, tying the game. Again, FAP found some new drive as they closed the quarter with a 4-0 run to claim a 33-29 lead at the end of the quarter.
First Bank started the fourth quarter with a three-pointer by Tobiloba Ogedengbe, and then she assisted Abigail Isaac to restore First Bank's lead. However, in a game where there is little to nothing separating the two sides, there is bound to be a lot of lead changes. Such was the case when FAP went on a 4-0 run to take back the lead. Victoria Majekodunmi made a shot under the basket as she came back on the court to cut the deficit to one for First Bank.
FAP relied on their team's youth to mount another late run. This time, a 7-0 run. They took an eight-point lead but knew that First Bank would make a last-ditch effort and that they needed to keep their wits about them to win.
True to form, First Bank had a 4-0 run, but this was short-lived as FAP made a run of their own to go up 48-40 with 14 seconds left in the game. Godgift Joseph made a pull-up jump shot for First Bank, but it was too little, too late. FAP claimed a 48-42 victory and the ninth place that goes with it.
The star of the game was the rookie, Damaris Emédié, who scored 13 points, grabbed a staggering 21 rebounds and had five blocks. A performance that resulted in a win and was reflected on the stats sheet.
FAP's other teenager, Idubamo Beggi had the following to say after her team's final game in the WBLA:
The game was really off. We played them before and they won so the mentality of the team was that they can't beat us twice.
She then showed great team spirit when she acknowledged her struggles but praised her teammates in the process:
Things [scoring] did not work out for me but at least my teammates scored off my assists.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
