By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

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 Tunde 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.