Nigeria Bankers Games: FCMB, UBA Book Final Spots
The race for the 2025 Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG) football title produced high drama on Sunday as UBA and FCMB sealed their places in the final after hard-fought victories at the UNILAG Sports Complex, Akoka.
In the first semi-final, UBA edged Wema Bank by 1–0 in a tight contest decided by an early moment of brilliance. Alabi Allwell, operating from the right flank, delivered a precise assist that found Amad Umar, who calmly slotted home for what proved to be the only goal of the match.
Wema Bank pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, but UBA held firm, with Umar’s all-round performance earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
The day’s second semi-final served up a repeat of last year’s final, as defending champions Sterling Bank once again faced FCMB. But unlike in 2024, when Sterling lifted the trophy, it was FCMB who emerged victorious this time, claiming a 2–1 comeback win.
Sterling began brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 21st minute through Eze Philemon, who poked home from close range off a corner kick that FCMB did not deal with decidely. Their advantage, however, lasted just six minutes, as FCMB’s Abubakar Shafi converted from the penalty spot to level the tie.
Shafi completed his brace in the 60th minute, finishing off a sweeping FCMB move to complete their comeback. Sterling Bank searched desperately for an equalizer, but this bid was dealt a blow when Rotimi Akinola was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for dissent towards the referee. Reduced to ten men, the champions struggled to find a response as FCMB held on to secure their passage to the final.
UBA and FCMB will now battle for the prestigious trophy as the 2025 Nigeria Bankers Games football tournament reaches its climax next weekend.
NBG 2025 – UBA and FCMB are through to the finals
FCMB and UBA have booked their places in the final of the 2025 Nigeria Bankers Games after hard-fought victories in their respective semi-final matches played at the UNILAG Sports Complex on Sunday.
UBA were first to secure their ticket with a 1–0 win over Wema Bank. The match was settled early after Alabi Allwell picked out Amad Umar, who buried the ball calmly to put UBA ahead.
Wema Bank piled pressure in both halves but could not find a breakthrough, with Umar later named MVP of the match.
The second semi-final produced the biggest drama of the day as FCMB defeated defending champions Sterling Bank 2–1, avenging last year’s final loss.
Sterling looked set to repeat their 2024 triumph when Eze Philemon scored in the 21st minute, but FCMB hit back quickly as Abubakar Shafi equalized from the penalty spot. Shaficompleted his brace in the 60th minute, turning the game on its head.
Sterling Bank’s hopes of getting back into the game all but collapsed when Rotimi Akinola was sent off for dissent after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the champions with too much to do in the closing stages.
FCMB will now face UBA in what promises to be a thrilling 2025 NBG final.
