The weather was cool and airy from the earlier rain as Bankers, fans, players and spectators arrived the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium for the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony of the 16th edition of the Nigeria Bankers Games 2016.
The excitement was palpable as old friends and friendly rivals reacquainted, reminiscing about the last edition and their plans for the season ahead.
Highlights of the event includes:
- Novelty Match between UPS vs Etisalat
The day’s activity commenced with a traditional novelty match between Etisalat Fc and Unified Payments System (UPS). In keeping with the occasion the 2 teams gave spectators a snippet of what was to come. The highly entertaining encounter ended in a one all stalemate.
- The match past of all participating companies; Then the proper funfare and colour of the Opening Ceremony was put on display as the ceremonial march past was done by the participating banks.
The march past was led by Ecobank from the front and Defending Football and Overall Champions, Fidelity Bank from the rear. FCMB and Union Bank who are making a return to the Games were also present.
The tournament was formally declared open by the Chief Operating Officer of MediaVision Limited, Jimmy Sogbesan along with Hall of Famers, Segun Babatunde, Kayode Agbalaja, Eric Iruh and Vivian Ezenwoko
Then the real fun began, as the opening matches kicked-off!
Match Highlights
Fidelity Bank vs. Sterling Bank
The Opening match of the 2016 NBG Football event was between the defending champions, Fidelity Bank and Sterling Jets of Sterling Bank.
The game was a fitting opening to the football event as it kept the spectators on their feet as both teams gave an excellent account of themselves. Barely 2 minutes into the half, Fidelity Bank stormed into the lead through Lamidi, to send a strong early message to the other teams that they are there to defend the Trophy. Sterling Bank however were not cowed as they matched the defending Champions despite going down so early.
The second half was a very balanced game despite Fidelity Bank’s Dimeji Oyefeso trying to boss proceedings from the center of the pack. Fidelity Bank did eventually get a second goal through Patrick Michael to seal their first 3 points of the season. Sterling Bank will feel hard done by not to have anything to show for their efforts but will surely go back to the drawing board to try and solve their perennial striking problems.
Dimeji Oyefeso of Fidelity Bank, who was untiring in the middle of the pack emerged the MVP.
First Bank vs. UBA
The second match of the opening day featured 2015 finalist, First Bank and 5 time champions, UBA.
The match witnessed a display of good football from both teams to the delight of the spectators. Initial exchanges were quite balanced as both teams tried to take control. Both teams were looking dangerous on the counter with Adeleke Odusanya of First Bank and Cyprian Onyekachi of UBA causing initial problems. However, UBA goalkeeper, Sola Thomas was the busier of the 2 keepers and it was his spilled save from a shot that led to a simple tap in goal for Leke to put First Bank ahead. UBA immediately tried to respond to get a quick equalizer but were soon in trouble again as defender Samuel Audu turned a dangerous cross into his own net to give First Bank a 2 goals lead.
The second half saw UBA emerge with a renewed vigor as they tried to find a way back into the game but were guilty of missing the ball in the final third of the field. The constant UBA pressure seemed to have paid off when a defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the 18 yard. However, UBA failed to convert the spot kick with Samuel Audu failing to score from 6 yards out. First Bank then wrapped up the game with a goal from a set piece when UBA failed to clear their lines.
The game ended with Adeleke Odusanya emerging the MVP for his brace and all round enterprising play.
Spectator Engagement
Spectators and fans alike were not left out in the Opening Day fun as there were amusing games to engage them. The Ronaldo and Okocha wannabes tried their luck in freekicks while those who felt they could dunk like Hakeem Olarewaju and Kobe Bryant tried to score free throws. The Kids were not left out in the fun and excitement.
At the end of match day one, here is how the log table looks:
GROUP A
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | POINTS | |
| FIDELITY | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| ECOBANK | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | – | 0 |
| UNION | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | – | 0 |
| STERLING BANK | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
GROUP B
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | POINTS | |
| FIRST BANK | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| FCMB | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| STANBIC | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 0 |
| UBA | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
Get ready for another exciting weekend!
Action continues on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October, 2016 at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Surulere, Lagos as 2008 Champions, FCMB and Union Bank make their long awaited return. It promises to be another fantastic football entertainment.
FOOTBALL FIXTURES
|
SAT 15TH OCT. 2016 MATCH DAY 2 |
1.30PM – 3PM UBA v STANBIC IBTC |
3.30PM – 5PM FIDELITY BANK v ECOBANK
|
|
SUN 16TH OCT. 2016 MATCH DAY 3 |
12.30PM – 2PM FIRST BANK v FCMB |
2.30PM – 4PM UNION BANK v STERLING BANK |
Don’t forget to follow the event updates via Twitter by following @mediavisionltd and tweeting with the hashtag- #NBG2016.
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Website – www.mediavisionlimited.com/nbg
We look forward to welcoming you.
For any inquiries, please mail to cg@mediavisionlimited.com
You can also mail or call:
Ope – ope@mediavisionlimited.com; 0803 864 8457
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
