The 2017 edition of Nigeria Bankers Games came to a thrilling end on Sunday, November 12 at the Yabatech Sports Pavilion with a lot of funfair and action-packed encounters to leave a long-lasting impression till the next edition.
CORPORATE NIGERIA HALL OF FAMER VS VDT COMMUNICATIONS
The closing ceremony began on an interesting note with a novelty match between the Corporate Nigeria Hall of Fame vs VDT Communications. The Corporate Nigeria Hall of Fame team featured the following legends – Segun Babatunde, Seun Osiyemi, David Iwuchukwu, Lekan Olanrewaju, Eric Iruh, Rotimi Saka, Charles Aigbe, Theo Amadi and Funlola Oni with Vivian Ezenwoko cheering from the sidelines.
Both teams played the game at an easy pace and friendly spirit. In the 34th minute of the game, David Ebosele of VDT received a through pass and slotted past the onrushing HOF Team goalkeeper to put his side a goal up. The Hall of Famers came out like a house on fire in the second period, but they could not find the back of net as the match ended 1-0 in favour of VDT Communications Limited.
UBA vs FCMB
Next up was the battle for the Bronze medal and 5-time Champions, UBA took on 2008 Champions FCMB. UBA started the brighter and controlled proceedings and on the 11th minute, a lovely pass meet Agada Emmanuel of UBA who placed a ferocious shot past Elijah Ashafa in goal for FCMB.
In the second half, FCMB pushed for an equalizer as UBA defended gallantly until the 36th minute when a cross into the box of UBA was not dealt with by the defenders and Opeyemi Ayandeko was in place to poke home the equalizer. The game ended in a one all draw and went straight into penalties.
FCMB came out tops beating UBA 4: 3 on penalties and thus claiming the bronze medal of the football event.
FIRST BANK VS FIDELITY BANK
This was the climax of the day, the much anticipated final match between defending Champions, Fidelity Bank and First Bank. The game which was a repeat of the 2015 & 2016 finals kicked off with Fidelity Bank on their traditional Lemon & Blue jersey and First Bank in Blue and White stripes.
There was an official pennant handover from the ED SystemSpecs – Mr Deremi Atanda to the captains of the two teams signifying their qualification for the Remita Corporate Champions Cup 2018.
The spectators were treated to a good display of football from both teams. First Bank started the game with determination to get a revenge for the past two season’s losses. The game which was evenly balanced throughout the duration of the first half continued in the same vein in the second half until the 50th minute of the match when a neat interchange of passes released Victor Jideonwu down the right flank who put a pin point cross into the First Bank 18-yard that found Kazim Lamidi who beat Olaolu Farodoye with his first touch shot to give Fidelity Bank the lead. First Bank pressed hard for the equalizer but could not get past the resolute Fidelity Bank’s defense and the brilliant goal keeper Salvation Denis.
The match ended 1 goal to nil in favour of Fidelity Bank, thus making them the first team to win the trophy trice in a row in the NBG.
SPECIAL MOMENT – RETIREMENT OF LEGENDS
The UBA vs FCMB match was a swansong for Veterans – Peter Nwachukwu, Captain of the UBA team and Tunde Ige, Captain of FCMB. They both announced that they were playing their last game for their teams and the NBG and were immediately retiring from active football.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
