Sports
PFA Games: FCMB and Nupemco Shine on Matchday 1 as Defending Champions Trustfund Pension Struggle
The fourth edition of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) Games kicked off with thrilling action at the scenic Turf Arena Sports Center (TASC). Known for hosting Nigeria’s national teams, the lush green venue witnessed an intense Matchday 1 featuring 10 teams competing fiercely. Industry captains gathered in large numbers to enjoy the games and cheer their teams.
Defending champions Trustfund Pension struggled to find their rhythm in the opening matches. A goalless draw against Norrenberger was a warning they failed to heed, as Tangerine ApT Pension, recovering from an earlier loss to NNPC Pension, upset Trustfund with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Former champions FCMB made a statement of intent, dominating their opening matches with remarkable performances. They demolished Norrenberger 4-1 in their first game and crushed NNPC Pension 6-0 in a ruthless display of skill and determination.
Nupemco also showed their seriousness, carrying their confidence from the pre-tournament press briefing to the pitch. They began their campaign with a 2-1 win against Premium Pension and followed it up with a narrow 1-0 victory over NPF Pension.
Elsewhere, PenCom edged AccessArm Pension 1-0 in their opener but were held to a goalless draw by NPF Pension in their second outing. Tangerine ApT Pension bounced back in style with a 1-0 victory over Trustfund Pension after their initial setback.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ugwu, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Nigerian University Pension Management Company Limited (NUPEMCO), emphasized the importance of balancing work with leisure. “As the popular saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Beyond work, we must remember that health is wealth. Events like this allow staff to bond, laugh, and network, fostering a sense of care within the organization,” she explained.
She highlighted the value of annual participation in the games, noting, “When our staff come out here, they unwind, connect with colleagues from other PFAs, and enjoy a change of pace. Life isn’t just about work; sometimes, it’s about having fun. Additionally, events like this serve as great publicity for our PFA.”
On the topic of winning, she added, “It’s not solely about victory, though winning would be fantastic. For us, the priority is the bonding experience. But, of course, I’d be thrilled if we brought home the cup.”
Similarly, the Executive Director,
of Trustfund Pension,Dr Akinsola
noted the positive impact of having pension fund regulators involved in the games. “Their presence adds a new dimension to the event. It fosters camaraderie among PFAs, helping us to connect, network, and build stronger relationships,” he said.
Matchday 1 Results
AccessArm Pension 0-0 Premium Pension
NNPC Pension 0-6 FCMB
NPF Pension 0-1 Nupemco
Trustfund Pension 0-0 Norrenberger Pension
PenCom 1-0 AccessArm Pension
Tangerine ApT Pension 1-2 NNPC Pension
Nupemco 2-1 Premium Pension
Norrenberger Pension 1-4 FCMB
PenCom 0-0 NPF Pension
Tangerine ApT Pension 1-0 Trustfund Pension
The competition promises more excitement as the PFA Games progress, with teams eager to showcase their skills and claim the coveted title.
Sports
Culture Comes Alive in Abuja as 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament Kicks Off in Grand Style
By Joel Ajayi
It was a spectacular showcase of culture and tradition at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honors, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.
“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”
With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.
“Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”
The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.
Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.
As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.
This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.
Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport: “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.
Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.
“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.
Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region.
Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.
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