It was a fever-pitched weekend at the Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG) 2017. Other events – Chess, Scrabble and Table Tennis took place at the Yaba College of Technology – Alumni building on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of October while the football event continued at the Yaba College of Technology – Sports Complex on the 21st of October 2017.
It was a promised exciting, captivating and filled with suspense for participants and spectators alike.
The event was graced by the COO of MediaVision Ltd – Mr. Jimmy Sogbesan, Head of Treasury, Union Bank – Chuka Emerole and Hall of Famer – David Iwuchukwu.
The Other events – Chess, Scrabble and Table Tennis began on the 21st of October and was concluded on the 22nd of October.
In the Male Table Tennis event, as in the past 6 years, the trio of Fredrick Rekuoya of Sterling Bank, Solomon Idowu and Femi Ayeni both of First Bank; who continued their utter domination. This time Femi Ayeni got the better of Fredrick Rekuoya in the semifinals and met his team mate Solomon Idowu in the final, Idowu had to dig deep to overcome FCMB’s Akinwale Omotoye in the second semifinals. The doubles event was more of the same as First Bank retained their Gold while Sterling Bank again settled for Silver.
In the Female version, Judith Achonye of Fidelity Bank overcame debutant, Funmi Adesanya also of Fidelity Bank to retain her title. They both then teamed up to win Gold in a hard fought battle against Ecobank in the doubles event.
In the Male Chess event – Union Bank easily defended their Gold and in the Female category, FCMB emerged winners, Scrabble Male was won by Fidelity Bank and in the Female category, EcoBank overcame all odds to win the gold medal.
DONT MISS: #2017NBG: Battle For Semi-final Slots Heats Up
Match 1: FCMB 3 vs 0 EcoBank
Both teams had lost their opening games, It was a must win game for the 2 teams. The winner would join UBA in the semifinals of this year’s NBG.
FCMB who had a lesser goal difference needed a win to qualify. They began the match at the forefront, bossing possession and scoring within the first 5 minutes of the game when Nsikak Ekanem placed a wonderful header past the goalkeeper of EcoBank. The early goal unbalanced the EcoBank team, who tried to no avail to make a comeback and things were made more difficult when Ajose Abiodun was dismissed from the game for a rash challenge. FCMB put the result beyond doubt when they scored in the 11th minute and 32nd minute to become the second team to qualify to the semi-final round.
The MVP of the match was awarded to Nsikak Ekanem of FCMB
Match 2: Union Bank 0 vs 0 Sterling Bank
Union Bank and Sterling Bank lost their first games and needed points to stand a chance of qualifying. While Union Bank’s game plan was to attack from the onset, Sterling Bank on the other hand were willing to play the defensive game and hit on the counter.
The match started at an electrifying pace as Union Bank showed full intent of taking all 3 points. However, as much as they attacked, Sterling Bank defended. Sterling Bank’s Goalkeeper, Nwaokete Paul, pulled of save after save including stopping a penalty Kick. Union Bank also hit the post in the first half. The second half continued in the same pace, albeit, Union Bank were left to rue countless missed chances and were forced to settle for a goalless draw and a point. Both teams will need to win their last Games to qualify for the semifinals
The MVP of the match was awarded to Nwaokete Paul of Sterling Bank.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
