The Nigeria Bankers games took centre stage last weekend as we entered the penultimate weekend of the 2018 season. The Yabatech Sports Complex hosted two exciting and eagerly anticipated semi-final football matches and the athletics event.
The match day was graced by a few dignitaries including Desmond Anumkua – Divisional Head, Internal Control Compliance, Fidelity Bank; Kola Musa – Group Head, Human Resources, FCMB; Muyiwa Ebitanmi – Head Sales & Distribution, Union Bank; Frances Diribe – PM Compliance Unit, Union Bank and Hall of Famers Eric Iruh and Theo Amadi.
FCMB vs UBA
In the first of the two semi-final encounters, 5-time champions UBA locked horns with FCMB. UBA started the game on the front foot, attacking from the get go. The deadlock was broken when Samir Bello belted a cross into the danger area which was met by a beautiful volley from Yemi Lawal, the goal gave UBA a well-deserved lead at the break. In the second half, FCMB created a few chances and were even denied an equalizer when Victor Fasemore saw his free kick rattle the crossbar. UBA made a push to secure their spot in the final and got a second goal late in the second half when Michael Esan whipped in a corner kick which was converted by the unmarked Uche Akonu who had just come on. UBA saw off the game to book their place in the finals for the first time since 2014.
Fidelity Bank vs Union Bank
The second semi-final game witnessed 3-time and reigning champions – Fidelity Bank take on a tough Union Bank side. Fidelity Bank took the lead mid-way through the first half when Salisu Abdulahi put in a good cross which goalkeeper Olufemi Owolabi of Union Bank could only parry as far as Tobi Ayodokun who capitalised on the spill to convert from close range. Union Bank put up a good fight creating numerous chances which troubled their opponents but they were unable to convert any. The second goal of the game came in the second half when Fidelity Bank’s Miracle Adeyemi played a long ball to Mark Emeji who beat his marker, took aim and let a go a ferocious pile driver of a volley that rattled the net from all of 25 meters. Fidelity Bank thus secured their place in the final for a record fourth consecutive year.
The 2018 football finals between Fidelity Bank and UBA will be one to anticipate as Fidelity Bank will be looking to claim their fourth consecutive title and UBA will be looking to win their sixth and their first since 2014.
ATHLETICS
The athletics event also commenced over the weekend. All banks were well represented as athletes took to the track for the heat and semi-final races in both 100 and 200 metres categories.
The athletics heat seem to witness a change of guard as new stars emerged who will be looking to win Gold at the finals.
Charles Ebelebe and Sharon John-Akachi ran fantastic times to qualify for the 100 meters finals in the male and female category. Charles Ebelebe was also fast enough in the 200 meters to qualify for the finals. Other newcomers who shone brightly for their banks in qualifying for the finals are Taiwo Olufunke of Sterling Bank, Omowunmi Adedapo and Olowu Modebola of Union Bank as well as Osungbade Omoniyi also of Union Bank.
Other qualifiers include male 100 metres defending Champion – Abdulrasak Saheed of UBA alongside Alaekwe Chidozie – Sterling Bank and Jerry Asuzu – Fidelity Bank both former Gold medallists. Adebayo Okeowo also looked good in qualifying for both the 200 and 100 meters finals. In the female category, Hall of Famer – Vivian Ezenkwoko of Fidelity Bank also qualified alongside Kodoye Ayakuralere of UBA.
The finals of the athletics event will hold on the final day alongside the football event.
Please find the updated medal table below:
The spectators were not left out of the fun as there were different activities lined up for their fun and entertainment and also to give them chances to win prizes. Between the raffle draw and fastest fingers spectators walked away with a variety of prizes.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
