FIRS FC crowned winner of 35th CBN AFIFC
By Chima Azubuike
ThankGod Ikeagwu’s 20th minutes goal, crowned Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS FC winner of 35th edition of the All-Financial Institutions Football Competition (AFIFC), organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with Nigeria Football Federation.
FIRS FC defeated Securities and Exchange Commission SEC FC 1-0 at Pantami stadium Gombe, on Saturday night during the keenly contested finals, where Unity bank emerge 3rd place, after defeating Bubayero Microfinance FC.
Our Correspondent that the winners went away with N2,000,000.00. The runners-up and third-placed teams received the sum of N1,500,000.00 and N1,000,000.00, respectively.
Speaking shortly after the Competition Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele, who was represented by controller Shehu Alhaji-Goringo expressed optimism to continue to support the AFIFC, following it far-reaching impact.
According to him, “Since its inception in 1979, the AFIFC has become a significant tournament among financial institutions in Nigeria, particularly as it creates an opportunity for social interaction among financial institutions and regulators as well as facilitate the promotion of harmony in Nigeria’s financial system.”
While enumerating the importance of the competition Emefiele, said it has become part of the Organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility. “The competition, over the years, has also served as a grooming ground for young football-playing bankers to become full professionals and national team players. It is on record that some of our decorated soccer heroes such as Kanu Nwankwo, Henry Nwosu and Stephen Keshi, of blessed memory participated in this competition.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility, the Bank remains committed to making positive contributions towards the promotion and development of football and other sporting competitions such as golf and tennis,” Emefiele said.
Also speaking, Gombe Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by Chairman Gombe Sports Commission Larry Daniel, commended the Nation’s bank saying that such competition would breed the needed sportsmanship.
He lauded the CBN for hosting the finals in Gombe State, “We must thank the organisers because this is an opportunity, grace given to Gombe to play the finals of this competition here,” he added.
On his part, President of NFF Ibrahim Gusau, was represented by Babagana Kalli, Chairman Borno Football Association, he noted that the competition would encourage sports development, while urging other Organisations to key into what to do to develop sportsmanship.
Coach of FIRS Jonathan Simon, said they worked and prayed for the victory, noting that the team’s victory was divine.
Simon said, “I’m very happy and I give glory to God because it is his doing. We prayed and trusted God that today will be our day.”
