The highly anticipated 2018 season of the Nigeria Bankers Games kicked off on Saturday 20th October, 2018 at the Yabatech Sports Complex.
The Opening Ceremony of the Nigeria Bankers Games was graced by top bank dignitaries; Felicia Obozuwa – Divisional Head, Corporate Services, FCMB; Kolawole Amusa – Group Head of Human Resource Services, FCMB; Moshood Adelotan – Group Head, Continuous Improvement & Brand Services, FCMB; Evelyn Odukoya – Human Resource and Business Partner, Union Bank; Desmond Anumkua – Divisional Head, Internal Control Compliance, Fidelity Bank; and Hall of Famers – Vivian Ezenwoke, Lekan Olanrewaju & Eric Iruh.
The Ceremonial March past was one of the major highlights of the opening ceremony. Participating banks were ably represented by contingents from their various organisations in what was the first medalling march past of the Nigeria Bankers Games. There was music and dancing as contingents attempted to outdo each other in what was a glamorous march parade. Points were awarded to each team and medals were won by the top three placed banks.
UBA came third winning the bronze medal, Stanbic IBTC and Union Bank came in joint second and Fidelity Bank won the first gold medal of the 2018 Nigeria Bankers Games season.
The football matches kicked off with a novelty match between VDT Communications and Diamond FC. An early first half goal from Femi Olanrewaju was enough to clinch the win for VDT Communications.
Stanbic IBTC vs Fidelity Bank
The first match of the competition saw Stanbic IBTC take on the reigning champions – Fidelity Bank. Fidelity Bank were looking to begin their title defence with a win and a defensive error gifted Victor Jideonwo a goal to give Fidelity Bank the lead right on the stroke of half time. In search of an equalizer, Stanbic IBTC were forced to attack more in the second half and they created numerous chances.
Stanbic’s efforts were rewarded when Wole Oluduro, the culprit in Fidelity Bank’s goal, redeemed himself with an exquisite dink from distance late in stoppage time which the outstanding Samuel Ugim in goal for Fidelity Bank could do nothing about. Wole Oluduro’s effort ultimately salvage a point for his side and earned him the man of the match.
FCMB vs UBA
The second game of the day between FCMB and UBA was full of pace and energy. The two teams, with a history in the football event of the NBG marked with rivalry between them, continued as the ground witnessed an end to end action for most part of the game. Both teams created numerous chances throughout the duration of the match but it was FCMB who made good their chances through Rokeeb Adedotun, who converted a sumptuous cross from Innocent Egemba to hand his side an early lead before Okoh Friday slotted in just before the break to double FCMB’S advantage. UBA came out stronger in the second half determined to get back in the game.
Their resurgence paid off when they were awarded a penalty early in the second half which Alex Andrew duly converted. All efforts to get a second goal was thwarted by the FCMB defence marshaled by Captain Frank Okposo, as the match eventually ended 2-1 in favour of FCMB.
Union Bank vs First Bank
The final game of the day saw Union Bank take on last year’s runners-up – First Bank. Union Bank were in search of their first goal in the competition in over 2 years and First Bank were looking to begin a new campaign with a victory. The game was a close affair as both teams stayed compact and didn’t allow many chances. Midway through the second half, Union Bank got a corner kick, the ball was floated into First Bank’s 18-yard and it was Victor Okemire who swiftly reacted to a flicked header to score Union Bank’s first goal in over 2 seasons of the Nigeria Bankers’ Games.
The efforts of First Bank’s star performers, Yakassai Kabiru and Adeleke Odusanya were not enough to get First Bank an equalizer although the Elephant Boys were guilty of missing several glaring chances.
The Nigeria Bankers Games Tables as it stands:
GROUP A
| Position | Team Name | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| 1 | FIDELITY BANK | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | STANBIC IBTC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | STERLING BANK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
GROUP B
| Position | Team Name | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| 1 | FCMB | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | KEYSTONE BANK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | UBA | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
GROUP C
| Position | Team Name | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| 1 | UNION BANK | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | ECOBANK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | FIRST BANK | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
