The ongoing Nigeria Bankers Games entered its third week on Sunday 9th November and the Unilag Sports Complex was packed to the rafters as 5 events featured.
All athletes came with their A Game in pursuit of fame and glary for their self and their bank
Football
Week 3 of the Nigeria Bankers Games 2025 had it all, the excitement, passion and silky football on display. It was a day of great excitement, with the standings beginning to reveal which teams might progress to the next round.
Female Football
The day started with the female football matches:
Match 1: Access Bank vs FCMB (0-0)
The first women’s football match was a tense and cagey affair between Access Bank and FCMB, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Both teams registered three shots on target, and no yellow cards were shown throughout the game. Ganiat Ahmoud (FCMB) stood out with an outstanding performance, earning the Woman of the Match award.
Match 2: First Bank Vs Sterling Bank (0-0)
The second women’s football match mirrored the first, ending goalless with neither side finding the back of the net. It was a relatively calm encounter, with no shots on target from either team. Monalisa Opunguju (First Bank) who recently switched allegiance from Access Bank to First Bank delivered a solid performance at the heart of the defense, earning the Woman of the Match award.
Group A
After this round of group matches and given the draws this past weekend, its time for permutations.
Here are the standings after match week 2:
Group A
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | L | D | GF | GA | AGG | Points |
| 1 | Sterling Bank | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| 2 | First Bank | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Wema Bank | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Permutations
- Sterling Bank have qualified for the semifinals
- A draw in the final group game between First Bank and Wema Bank will favour First Bank
- Wema Bank need a win to qualify
Group B
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | L | D | GF | GA | AGG | Points |
| 1 | FCMB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2 | UBA | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Access Bank | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Permutation
- Any of the 3 teams can still qualify for the semifinals
- A win for UBA in their last group game – UBA and FCMB qualify
- A win for Access Bank in their last group game – Access Bank and FCMB qualify
- A draw between UBA and Access Bank will mean all 3 teams finish on the same number of points. FIFA rule on tiebreakers will apply to determine which 2 teams qualify for the semifinals
GOAL SCORER TABLE – WOMEN
| NAME | GOALS | BANK |
| Anwo Oluwatosin | 1 | Sterling Bank |
CAUTION & RED CARD TABLE
| NAME | YELLOW CARD | RED CARD |
| – | – | – |
Male Football
Match 1: Wema Bank Vs First Bank (2-0)
Defending overall champions Wema Bank continued their campaign with a well won 2–0 victory over First Bank. Collins Benjamin (Wema Bank) opened the scoring in the 26th minute of the first half. Despite spirited efforts by First Bank to draw level, Wema Bank’s second goal through a sumptuous freekick from Adebayo Abiodun (Wema Bank) in the 54th minute all but sealed the game. It was a very physical encounter, with Wema Bank picking up three yellow cards and First Bank receiving two. Collins Benjamin was named Man of the Match for his exemplary performance.
With this victory, Wema Bank top the group and have qualified directly to the semifinals.
Match 2: Sterling Bank Vs Taj Bank| (1-0)
Debutants Taj Bank were looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss on Matchday 1, while their opponents, Defending Champions, Sterling Bank, were looking to garner as much goals as possible to stand a chance of qualifying directly to the semifinals. The match proved to be a tough test for both teams. Astute defending and missed chances were the hallmark of the game.
The only goal of the game came in the 8th minute of the first half when Chijoke Odoh (Sterling Bank), was the quickest to react to Eze Philemon’s goalward header. In the second half, Sterling Bank pilled more pressure but Taj Bank did not bulge. The match took another twist when Yemi Lawal of Sterling Bank received a second yellow and red card, forcing Sterling Bank to finish the game with 10.
Overall, it was a much-improved display from Taj Bank, who will be hoping to get off the mark on Matchday 4. Chijoke Odoh’s early strike earned him the Man of the Match award.
Match 3: UBA Vs Access Bank (1-0)
Record holders UBA faced Access Bank in the third match of Day 2. It was a tightly contested encounter, with UBA testing the Access Bank defense on several occasions. Despite the physical nature of the game, only one yellow card was shown.
UBA took the lead in the 13th minute through a well-worked move finished by Amad Umar (UBA). They managed to hold firm and see out the win. Amad Umar was named Man of the Match for his decisive contribution.
After Match Day 3, here is a look at what the table standings look like;
Group A
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | AGG | Points |
| 1 | Wema Bank | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 7 |
| 2 | Sterling Bank | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| 3 | First Bank | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| 4 | Taj Bank | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 0 |
Group B
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | AGG | Points |
| 1 | UBA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | FCMB | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Access Bank | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
GOAL SCORER TABLE
| NAME | GOALS | BANK |
| Sammy Adewunmi | 4 | Wema Bank |
| Ayomide Ojo | 3 | Wema Bank |
| Eze Philemon | 1 | Sterling Bank |
| Tobi Mejedi | 1 | Sterling Bank |
| Collins Benjamin | 1 | Wema Bank |
| Adebayo Abiodun | 1 | Wema Bank |
| Chijoke Odoh | 1 | Sterling Bank |
| Amad Umar | 1 | UBA |
CAUTION & RED CARD TABLE
| NAME | YELLOW CARD | RED CARD | BANK |
| Tolulope Obasa | 1 | Taj Bank | |
| Toyosi Obisesan | 1 | Sterling Bank | |
| Tijani Mojeed | 2 | Wema Bank | |
| Abdul Femi | 1 | Sterling Bank | |
| Idowu Jones | 1 | Sterling Bank | |
| Seyi Adewale | 1 | Wema Bank | |
| Micheal Nathan | 1 | UBA | |
| Yemi Lawal | 2 | 1 | Sterling Bank |
| Precious Peter | 1 | Taj Bank | |
| Kalu Oti | 1 | Taj Bank | |
| Ajayi Oluwaseun | 1 | Taj Bank | |
| Bankole Onaolapo | 2 | 1 | Wema Bank |
Note: Yemi Lawal of Sterling Bank and Bankole Onaolapo will miss their respective next matches
Table Tennis
The Table Tennis event concluded this past weekend.
Male Singles
Men’s and Women’s Singles events concluded this weekend, with the final three games proving both exciting and a joy to watch
The male singles category continued with the following match-ups:
- Semi Final 1: Bakare Abiodun (First Bank) vs Solomon Idowu (First Bank)
- Semi Final 2: Oluwasina Akinti (Access Bank) vs Frederick Rekuoya (Sterling Bank)
The semifinals saw some thrilling action:
Semi-Final 1: Bakare Abiodun (First Bank) emerged victorious.
Semi-Final 2: Frederick Rekuoya (Sterling Bank) secured his place in the final.
After an outstanding and captivating final, Frederick Rekuoya (Sterling Bank) claimed the Men’s Singles title.
Fredrick Rekuoya has only lost the Men’s singles finals twice since 2012. He has been a dominant force in Table Tennis alongside Solomon Idowu and lately Abiodun Bakare.
Final Standings – Men’s Singles Table Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Frederick Rekuoya (Sterling Bank)
- 2nd Place: Bakare Abiodun (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Solomon Idowu (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Oluwashina Akinti (Access Bank)
Female Singles
The female singles category continued, featuring these exciting contests:
- Semi Final 1: Bukola Olorunmaye (Wema Bank) vs Olamide Kazeem (Wema Bank)
- Semi Final 2: Olayemi Okan (First Bank) vs Chinedum Mbaegbu (Sterling Bank)
The semifinals featured some intense competition
Semi-Final 1: Chinedum Mbaegbu (Sterling Bank) secured her place in the final. - Semi-Final 2: Bukola Olorunmaye (Wema Bank) emerged victorious.
The final was a closely contested match, with Bukola Olorunmaye (Wema Bank) ultimately claiming the Women’s Singles title.
Bukola Olorunmaye who was the Overall best athlete last season has become an unshakeable force in the women’s Table Tennis event. This was a back to back Gold for her in the event
Final Standings – Women’s Singles Table Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Bukola Olorunmaye (Wema Bank)
- 2nd Place: Chinedum Mbaegbu (Sterling Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Olamide Kazeem (Wema Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Olayemi Okan (First Bank)
Male Doubles
The Men’s Doubles event kicked off with a bang. Many of the matchups were fiercely contested, but in the end, the First Bank quartet of Adeleye Adeyinka & Olutola Aresa and Solomon Idowu & Bakare Abiodun clashed with Solomon Idowu and Bakare Abiodun emerging as champions.
The duo ultimately winning the gold that eluded them last season.
Final Standings – Men’s Doubles Table Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Solomon Idowu & Bakare Abiodun (First Bank)
- 2nd Place: Adeleye Adeyinka & Olutola Aresa (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Samuel Adesanya & Toheeb (Access Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Owolabi Oluwaremi & Akinwale Omotoye (FCMB)
Female Doubles
The Women’s Doubles event as always was a delight to watch. After a series of competitive rounds, Bukola Olorunmoye & Olamide Kazeem (Wema Bank) emerged as champions, securing back-to-back gold medals for the duo.
Final Standings – Women’s Doubles Table Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Bukola Olorunmoye & Olamide Kazeem (Wema Bank)
- 2nd Place: Olayemi Okam & Stellamaris Onuoha (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Simi & Abidemi Aniya (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Oluwabukunmi Oluboba & Joy Ogwos (Access Bank)
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Mixed Doubles
The Mixed Doubles event featured took center stage. After a competitive series of matches, Frederick Rekuoya & Chinedum Mbaegbu (Sterling Bank) emerged as champions, marking a strong improvement for Sterling Bank, who finished third in last year’s edition.
Final Standings – Mixed Doubles Table Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Frederick Rekuoya & Chinedum Mbaegbu (Sterling Bank)
- 2nd Place: Solomon Idowu & Olayemi Okam (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Samuel Adesanya & Joy Ogwos (Access Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Bukola Olorunmaye & Raqeeb Raheem (Wema Bank)
Tennis
The tennis event continued from Match Day 2
Tennis Singles
The Male and Female Singles events were a delight to watch. The matches were fun, engaging, and highly competitive, showcasing the exceptional talent of players across the participating banks.
Male
History repeated itself as defending champion Olaleye Gafar (First Bank) faced Olorundare Olayinka (FCMB) in a grueling match. After over an hour of intense play, Olorundare Olayinka triumphed, claiming his first-ever gold medal at the Nigeria Bankers Games and securing FCMB’s first gold medal for NBG 2025.
Final Standings – Men’s Singles Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Olorundare Olayinka (FCMB)
- 2nd Place: Gabriel Olaleye (First Bank)
- 3rd Place: Ifeanyi Edwards (UBA)
- 3rd Place: Ibrahim G. (UBA)
Female
The Women’s Singles event was an all First Bank affair. Stellamaris Onuoha (First Bank) defeated last year’s defending champion Toyin Solano (First Bank) to claim the gold medal.
Final Standings – Women’s Singles Tennis 2025:
- 1st Place: Stellamaris Onuoha (First Bank)
- 2nd Place: Toyin Solano (First Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Taiwo Adebayo (Access Bank)
- 3rd Place (tie): Feko U. (Sterling Bank)
Doubles
The Tennis doubles has reached the semifinal stage and will be concluded on Match Day 4
Male
- Semi-Final 1: Adegoju & Segun (Sterling Bank) vs Udoh & Okubo (Access Bank)
- Semi-Final 2: Edward & Abule (UBA) vs the winner of Gafar & Amana (First Bank) vs Ibrahim & Joseph (Sterling Bank)
Female
- Semi-Final 1: Toyin & Stellamaris (First Bank) vs Bukola & Titilayo (Wema Bank)
- Semi-Final 2: Taiwo & Genevieve (Access Bank) vs Praise & Feko (Sterling Bank)
Mixed Doubles
The Mixed Doubles event has also reached the semi-final stage, featuring the following matchups:
- Semi-Final 1: Gafar & Toyin (First Bank) vs Chukunwuma & Taiwo (Access Bank)
- Semi-Final 2: Opakunle & Bukola (Wema Bank) vs Segun & Feko (Sterling Bank)
Tennis will be concluded on Sunday the 16th of November 2025
Volleyball
Male
The male volleyball event which was featuring for the first time in The Nigeria Bankers Games kicked off with exciting matches. 2 rounds of games were played and these are the results:
- Wema Bank 0 – 2 Sterling Bank
- Access Bank 2 – 0 FCMB
- FCMB 2 – 1 UBA
- First Bank 0 – 2 Sterling Bank
Group A
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | L | Points |
| 1 | Sterling Bank | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | First Bank | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 3 | Wema Bank | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Group B
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | L | Points |
| 1 | Access Bank | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | FCMB | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | UBA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Female:
The rivalry in the female volleyball event continued in 2025 with pulsating and exciting matches, producing the following results:
- FCMB 2 – 1 UBA
- Wema Bank 2 – 1 Sterling Bank
- First Bank 1 – 2 Sterling Bank
- Access Bank 0 – 2 FCMB
Group A
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | L | Points |
| 1 | Wema Bank | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | Sterling Bank | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | First |Bank | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Group B
| S/N | Bank Name | P | W | L | Points |
| 1 | FCMB | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | UBA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 3 | Access Bank | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The final group games and semifinals will be played on match day 4, Sunday 16th November.
Video Games:
Video Games (EAFC 25)
Video games started last Sunday and featured a lot of intriguing fixtures. It had a lot of surprises as the defending champion Oluseun Olumuluwa (Wema Bank) lost the final by a scoreline of 2-1 in a very intense and keenly contested game.
Here are the results from the video games:
1st Posisiton: Chibueze Duzi Egwuibe (UBA)
2nd Position: Oluseun Olumuluwa (Wema Bank)
3rd Position- Oluwatosin Adafin (Wema Bank)
Mortal Kombat will take center stage on match day 4, Sunday the 16th of November 2025
At the end of Match Day 3, the Medals is coming alive as certain events have been concluded.
Below is how the Medals Table stand;
| POSITION | BANK | GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE | TOTAL |
| 1 | FIRST BANK | 3 | 6 | 3 | 12 |
| 2 | WEMA BANK | 2 | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| 3 | STERLING BANK | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | UBA | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | FCMB | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | ACCESS BANK | 0 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | TAJ BANK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
