VENUE: UNILAG SPORTS COMPLEX, AKOKA, LAGOS.
DATE: Sunday 17th, November 2024
THRILLING MATCHES MARK, THE OPENING CEREMONY OF NIGERIA BANKERS GAMES 2024 AT UNILAG SPORTS COMPLEX.
The excitement was palpable as the Unilag Sports Complex in Akoka, Lagos, played host to the thrilling opening day of the Nigeria Bankers Games 2024. The action-packed day featured a dazzling display of sportsmanship, skill, and intense competition as banks clashed on the football field in highly anticipated matches.
The day kicked off with a spectacular March Past by the participating banks, setting the stage for what promised to be an electrifying tournament. First Bank of Nigeria set the tone by capturing their first gold of the season with a stellar performance in the March Past, followed closely by Access Bank in second place and FCMB in third.
In the eagerly awaited opening football match of the 2024 season, reigning champions First Bank of Nigeria faced off against 2008 Champions, FCMB. FCMB were quickest off the block and tried to take control of the game. They dominated early proceedings which eventually paid off when Abubakar Shaffi slotted in for the first football goal of 2024. That goal seemed to waken the sleeping elephants as they rallied to wrestle control from FCMB and began dictating the game. Abel Sule found a way back for the defending Champions when he equalized. Soon after, First Bank turned the game completely around, again through the booths of Abel Sule. More goals were to come as Hassan Odutayo got the third goal for First Bank, getting their title defense off to a flying start.
The excitement continued with the second match of the day between Sterling and Stanbic IBTC Bank, where Sterling secured a 2-0 triumph. Last season’s top goal scorer, Eze Philemon, and Tobi Mejedi were instrumental in clinching the victory with two quick goals, giving Sterling a strong start in the Nigeria Bankers Games 2024 season.
The final match of the day saw Access Bank locking horns with United Bank for Africa, resulting in a hard-fought goalless draw. Both teams displayed skill and determination in a tightly contested battle that ended without either side managing to break the deadlock.
As the competition heats up and the stakes get higher, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches, standout performances, and memorable moments throughout the Nigeria Bankers Games 2024.
There updates, highlights, and results as the tournament progresses, showcasing the best of sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie among Nigeria’s banking community.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
