The football event of the Nigeria Bankers Games entered its quarter-final stage last weekend with four cracking fixtures. The stage was set for a great footballing day and the day didn’t disappoint.
UBA Vs Sterling Bank
The quarter-finals kicked-off with UBA taking on Sterling Bank in what seems to be a test for the defending Champion. A determined Sterling Bank held the Reds till the last minute of regular time after limiting their attempts on goal. The match went to penalties which saw the current champions win 4-3 to progress to the Semis.
Man of the Match – Samir Bello (UBA)
Union Bank Vs First Bank
The second game of the afternoon saw a Group A runners-up – First Bank slugs it out with Union Bank who were looking to continue their newfound form after winning their last group game. Union bank drew first blood in what seemed to be a tense game through Adewale Samuel’s strike from distance in the 24th minute. An unrelenting First bank would later restore parity through Bashir Umar’s low strike beating GK Owolabi in the 54th minute. With a tie after regular time, the second penalty Shoot-out of the afternoon was inevitable. Union bank advanced to the Semi-final after winning the shoot-out by 5:4. Thanks to a wonderful save by Union Bank keeper Olufemi Owolabi.
Man of the Match – Olufemi Owolabi (Union Bank)
FCMB Vs Wema
After a two consecutive loses, last week’s victory against Sterling bank saw an energized Wema Bank take on an unbeaten FCMB side in what seemed to be a cracker. FCMB in their traditional Yellow and Purple kit dominated the game with their attacking style of play. A first-half brace from FCMB’S Victor Fasemore and a third goal from Eze Odinaka fine strike in the 41st minute booked a semi-final place for one of the tournament’s favourites.
Fidelity Bank Vs Ecobank
Tobi Oyedokun opened the goal-scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled in the 18-yard box. Mark Emeji doubled Fidelity’s lead in the 13th minute. John Kadiri and Salisu Abdullahi both got on the score sheet before the interval. Second-half goals from John Kadiri and Kelechi Nwosu ensured a comfortable victory for Fidelity Bank.
Please find the semi-final fixtures below:
- Semi-Final 1 – UBA Vs Union Bank
- Semi-Final 2 – FCMB Vs Fidelity Bank
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