The much-awaited Nigeria Telecoms Games 2016 kicked-off on Saturday, 3rd September at the Digital Bridge Institute, Cappa, Illupeju-Lagos.
The event which was packed with thrilling football matches, featured a novelty match between Sterling Bank and Unified Payment Services Limited (UPS), opening matches involving participating telecoms companies and several half-time fun activities.
In the novelty match, Sterling Bank faced UPS in a highly competitive football battle which end with both team sharing the spoils in a goalless draw.
MediaVision Limited COO, Jimmy Sogbesan presented plaques to team Sterling and UPS after the match.
The Opening Matches
MTN vs. Ericsson
The first match of the day, which offically marked the kick-off of the 6th edition of Nigeria Telecoms Games was between 3-time Champion, MTN Nigeria and Ericsson Nigeria. The first half of the match kick-started with MTN dominating on the pitch. In the 2nd half, Ericsson came back better, but their opponent still did not give in, ending the match in a goalless draw.
MVP – Joseph Apata
MVP of the match was MTN’s captain, Joseph Apata.
Commenting on the match, the captain of team MTN, Joseph Apata stated: “I’m very disappointed we didn’t do well in the 1st match because we had the chance to secure our 3 points. But I’m hopeful that in subsequent matches, we’ll bounce back.”
On his part, Clement Atakpo, the captain of Team Ericsson said, “It was a very energetic match, and it was a fair result. Based on the lessons from this game, we’ll do better in subsequent matches and take the game to the opponent.”
Etisalat vs. IHS
The 2nd match was between 2-time champion, Etisalat and 2015 finalist IHS. Given the performance of both teams in previous season of the Nigeria Telecoms Games, expectations were high, making it the most exciting match of the day. In the 1st half which was goalless, both team kept up their game, refusing to give in. The 2nd half took a different turn, as team IHS dominated all through, scoring 2 goals against Etisalat few minutes before the match ended.
Team IHS jubilating after their 2-0 win against Etisalat
MVP – IHS’ Chuka Okereke
MVP of the match was IHS’ Chuka Okereke
After match day 1, the table is thus:
Spectator Fun Games
The participants were not alone in the football battle, as spectators were treated to several fun games where they could put their football skills to test and also win prizes.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
