Bankers Games: First Bank, Fidelity Battle for Historic Crown

Fidelity Bank and First Bank will be aiming to write their names in the annals of the Nigerian Bankers Games when they meet in the 2015 final of the football event tomorrow.

It is the first time either team have ever reached the final of the Nigeria Bankers Games in its 15-year history. It is also the first time in more than 10 years, that either UBA or Skye Bank – both perennial powerhouses, will not be vying for the title. 
 
First Bank did it in style, going unbeaten in all games, having topped Group A that also had the Cup holders, UBA and their final match opponents, Fidelity. The Elephant Boys signified their intent by beating five-time champion – Skye Bank 1-0 to reach the finals. Having got the better of Skye, UBA and Fidelity en route to the finals, First Bank will feel very confident of repeating their heroics in the final match.
 
Solomon Idowu – Captain of First Bank underlined that fact: “We have beaten them before and we are going to take our chances and make capital of every opportunity at goal in the final”.

Fidelity’s fitness level has been a plus allowing them adopt a pattern of swarming attack and block defence but Idowu insists First Bank can take care of that. “I agree we must be mindful of their massing up every part of the field but we have their key and there’s no stopping us at this point.”

Fidelity Bank’s midfielder; Oladimeji Oyefeso, insists they are in the finals to win. 

In the first meeting of both sides in Group A; First Bank won 1-0 but Oyefeso said his side has overcome the initial blimp and has improved with every game leading to the finals.

“Nothing will stop us this time,” Oyefeso began. “Although we lost our first match to First Bank, we have become better with each game and are at our peak form right now,” he added.

Fidelity Bank will be boosted by having already emerged overall champions of the tournament but will hope to put the icing on their cake with the Football Gold.
 
The final will hold at 2pm at the Digital Bridge Institute, Cappa, Oshodi on Sunday, November 22, 2015.

The third place playoff will involve Standard Chartered and First Bank from 12.00 noon.