The 2018 edition of the Nigeria FMCG Games came to a thrilling end on Sunday, 30th September, 2018 at the Yabatech Sports Pavilion with a lot of action packed and funfair encounter to leave a long-lasting impression till the next edition.
The five (5) weeks intriguing and non-stop sporting action witnessed Industry titans vie in different games such as Football, Chess, Scrabble, Table-Tennis & Athletics to determine the winners and overall champions.
The finale was graced by dignitaries and top executives from the participating organizations,
- Ben Langat – Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO
- Abel Idonije – Human Resources Director, Reckitt Benckiser
- Sola Akinyosoye – Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé
- Chris Wulff – Caesar – Marketing Director – FrieslandCampina WAMCO
- Victoria Uwadoka – Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager – Nestlé Nigeria
- Kumoye Olayemi – Human Resource Manager, Nestlé
- Idowu Ekundayo – Employee Relations Manager, Nestlé
- Fabamwo Torinmo – Human Resource Manager – Reckitt Benckiser
- Ijeoma Anunibe – Human Resource Business Partner – Reckitt Benckiser
- Lookman Yussuff – Culinary Plant Manager, Agbara – Nestlé
- Lawal Shakiru – Factory Human Resource Manager, Agbara – Nestlé
- Kenneth Omeni – Head, Internal Audit & Control – FrieslandCampina WAMCO
- Sinaly Diabete – Quality Assistant Manager, Agbara – Nestlé
- Ashraf Abubakari – Factory Finance Controller – Nestlé
- Charles Kabore – Factory Project Engineer – Nestlé
- Waidi Akanni – Nigeria Ex International Footballer
The day began on an interesting and high note with the debutants Reckitt Benckiser taking on Unilever FC. Reckitt Benckiser knowing they have to win, started the game the sharper of the two teams but Unilever through Adewale Kehinde opened the score line in the 20th minutes. The first half also saw the tourney top goal scorer, Richard Akhadelor doubled Unilever’s lead from the penalty spot but Alonge Moses of Reckitt Benckiser was able to pull one back before the half time.
In the second half, Reckitt Benckiser pushed for an equalizer as Unilever defend gallantry until the end of the match. The match ended 2:1 in favour of Unilever.
The day climaxed with the much anticipated match between the defending champions FrieslandCampina and Nestle. The game kicked off with Nestle on their traditional grey colour jersey and FrieslandCampina in Royal blue jersey.
The spectators were engaged with a good display of football as both teams were strongly determined to be crowned the champions of the football event. The game which was evenly balanced throughout the duration of the first half continued in the same vein in the second half as both teams could not convert their chances.
At the final whistle, a draw clinched the title for Nestle who ended the tournament without conceding a goal as they celebrate their first ever crown as the football champions of the Nigeria FMCG Games.
OUTSTANDING AWARDS
The following outstanding footballers won individual awards;
| Category | Winner | Company |
| Best GoalKeeper | Saheed Ademola | Nestlé |
| Best Defender | Justin Oragbon | Nestlé |
| Best Midfielder | Ojumola Tobi | Reckitt Benckiser |
| Highest Goalscorer | Richard Akhadelor – (3) | Unilever |
| Overall MVP | Adebari Kamoru | Nestlé |
The Final 2018 FMCG Football League Table:
| Position | Team Name | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Gold | NESTLÉ | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 8 |
| Silver | UNILEVER | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 6 |
| Bronze | FRIESLANDCAMPINA | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| 4th | RECKITT BENCKISER | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 4 |
| 5th | GUINNESS | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 2 |
The athletics finals in all the categories were also held on the final day. Banjoko Kuburat and Nicholas Mavis of Nestlé claimed gold and silver respectively in the 100 metres while Ajijolajesu Deborah of Unilever claimed the bronze medal. In the 100 metres male category, Afolabi Ebenezer of Nestlé claimed gold, Adewale Kehinde of Unilever claimed silver and Andrew John of FrieslandCampina claimed bronze.
In the 200 metres races, Ajibade Jumoke of Nestle won the gold medal, Nicholas Mavis also of Nestle claimed the silver medal and Adewusi Tawakalitu of Unilever won bronze. In the male category, Andrew John won the gold in the 200 metres, Afolabi Ebenezer won the silver medal and Jimoh Azeez of Nestle won the bronze.
In the 4×100 metres relay Nestlé and Reckitt Benckiser claimed gold and silver respectively in both male and female categories. Unilever claimed bronze in the male category and Guinness claimed the bronze in the female category.
The final Medal table:
| Position | Company | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | Nestlé | 9 | 9 | 4 | 22 |
| 2 | FrieslandCampina WAMCO | 6 | 1 | 7 | 14 |
| 3 | Unilever | – | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 4 | Reckitt Benckiser | – | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 5 | Guinness | – | – | 4 | 4 |
In this memorable season of the FMCG Games, industry giants Reckitt Benckiser and Guinness both made memorable debuts. Nestlé Plc were crowned Football and overall champions, they won a total of 22 medals – 9 Gold, 9 Silver and 4 Bronze.
We look forward to a record breaking FMCG 2019 season.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
