It was another exciting weekend of football in the Nigeria Bankers Games (#2017NBG) week 2 as old foes battled for the three points on Saturday, 14th of October 2017 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Yaba.
The event was graced by the COO of MediaVision Ltd – Mr. Jimmy Sogbesan and Hall of Famers – Segun Babatunde, Vivian Ezenwoko, Eric Iruh and Theophilus Amadi.
Match 1: First Bank vs Union Bank
In the first match of the day, 2016 finalist – First Bank took on Union Bank in a game they desperately needed to win, while Union Bank was playing their first match of the competition.
Predictions would have reflected as an easy victory for First Bank, however, Union Bank proved them wrong as they came at the defense of First Bank, mounting sustained pressure for long durations during the match but were let down by their inability to convert their chances. In a twist of fortune, Victor Omemire was adjourned to have fouled the Yakassi of First Bank in the 59th minute and up-stepped Bashir Umar who slotted home the resulting penalty beating the goalkeeper to win the match for First Bank.
The MVP of the match was awarded to Bashir Umar
Match 2: EcoBank vs UBA
UBA, after defeating FCMB in the last round came into the match with the knowledge that a victory would guarantee them a slot in the semi-finals. However, EcoBank had other ideas as they created and pressured the defense of the UBA side but were rebuffed by the heroics of the UBA goalkeeper – Ibrahim who kept the score line level. UBA against the run of play took the lead in the 31st minute when the goalkeeper – Isah Kazim spilled the ball from a tame shot and Agada Emmanuel was in place to poke home the ball.
The first half ended with UBA ahead and in the second half, Agada Emmanuel once again struck home from inside the penalty box after some neat interchange of passes to all but seal the win for UBA.
The MVP of the match was awarded to Onyeka Cyprian of UBA for his dominate showing in the heart of the midfield.
Match 3: Sterling Bank vs Fidelity Bank
The final match of the day saw the Sterling Jets take on the Fidelity Bank – the defending champions of NBG.
A minute of silence was held before the game commenced, in memory of Mr. Sabinus Nweje – the assistant coach of Fidelity Bank.
Sterling Bank started the match with an impressive array of attacks but were also met evenly by some resolute defending from Fidelity Bank who ultimately changed the tides. With the game approaching half time, Kelechi Nwosu who had been impressive throughout the game placed an acute shot beyond the goalkeeper of Sterling Bank – Paul Nwadkete.
The second half, saw Sterling Bank taking the initiative, searching for the equalizer, but for the brilliance of Sam Ugim of Fidelity Bank would have gotten the equalizer when Olawale Yussuf released a thunder bolt only for it to be pared away. The match ended with the solidary goal and sees Fidelity up by 4 points.
The MVP of the match was awarded to Kelechi Nwosu of Fidelity Bank.
SPECTATOR ENGAGEMENT
The fans were not left out as they won prizes and other freebies while competing in various challenges like the Take –A- Shot, Basket Ball challenge as well as Fastest Fingers. The DJ also played lovely tunes to excite and thrill the crowd.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
