The much-anticipated Nigeria Fintech Games 2025 kicked off on Sunday 24th August, 2025 at the Unilag Sports Complex, Akoka. Participants included industry giants like Interswitch, Palmpay, Alat, Flutterwave and Credit direct.
The 2025 Nigeria Fintech Games which features events like Football, Chess, Scrabble and Athletics, started with the football event.
The tournament was flagged off by a novelty match between two-time NBG Football Champions, Sterling Bank who took on NBG returnee hopefuls, Union Bank. The very exciting encounter which ending 1 0 in favor of Union Bank set the tone for the excitement that came afterwards.
Match Results
Match 1: PALMPAY vs FLUTTERWAVE (2:20 pm)
Final Score: PALMPAY 3 – 0 FLUTTERWAVE
Highlights:
– [6 Minute] – [Olowolafe Kiyesimi, PALMPAY] opened the scoring with a [header from a corner-kick].
– [13 Minute] – [Abdulwasiu Sadik, PALMPAY] doubled the lead with a {towering header from another corner-kick}
– [58 Minute] – Winning goal sealed by [Adeoye Abiodun, PALMPAY].
Man of the Match: [Olowolafe Kiyesimi] (PALMPAY).
Olowolafe Kiyesimi becomes the first player to score at the Nigeria Fintech Games Football event and Palmpay also becomes the first team to record a win the tournament.
Match 2: CREDIT DIRECT vs ALAT (3:50 pm)
Final Score: [CREDIT DIRECT 1 – 1 ALAT]
Highlights:
– [7 Minute] – [Biola Jombo, CREDIT DIRECT]
– [8 Minute] – Equalizer [Samuel Oyewumi, ALAT by WEMA]
– End-to-end football with both sides creating chances.
– Goalkeepers stood out with crucial saves.
– Game ended in a draw, leaving both teams with a point each.
This was easily the most entertaining match of the day. Both sides came well prepared and ended up cancelling each other out.
Key Moments of the Day
– Impressive fan turnout from PALMPAY with vibrant support for their team.
– Strong performances from all the teams showcasing skill and resilience.
– Fair play observed with referees maintaining high officiating standards.
Standings After Day 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | Points |
| PALMPAY | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | – | 3 |
| FLUTTERWAVE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| INTERSWITCH | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 |
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | Points |
| ALAT | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| CREDIT DIRECT | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Conclusion
The opening day of the FINTECH Games 2025 delivered excitement and showcased the competitive spirit of the participating companies. With plenty of matches still to come, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters, teamwork, and memorable performances as the tournament unfolds.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
