The Directorate of Engineering Services (DES) emerged champions of the football final as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concluded its 2025 Inter-Directorate Sports Competition in Lagos on Thursday.
In a pulsating encounter, DES defeated the Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA) 2-1. Bashir opened scoring for DES in the 29th minute, followed closely by Ibrahim’s strike two minutes later. A brief lapse in DES defence allowed DFA to pull one back in the 42nd minute through Suleman Usman. However, the Directorate of Engineering Services maintained composure to secure the title.
The Directorate of Engineering Services (DES) capped its victory with a ₦500,000 cash prize for emerging champions of the 2025 FAAN Inter-Directorate Sports Competition. The Directorate of Finance and Accounts (DFA) received ₦300,000 as runners-up, while the second runners-up, Directorate of Human Resources and Administration earned ₦200,000.
The Murtala Muhammed Airport Staff School Sports Complex buzzed with excitement as directors, top management, and staff gathered to witness the closing ceremony. The 4:00 p.m. kickoff celebrated weeks of friendly contests across football, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, and chess. Applause and cheers filled the air as DES was crowned overall football champion.
Representing the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, commended all participants for their energy and unity. According to him, the 2025 games demonstrated the strength and resilience of FAAN’s workforce.
“What began days ago as a contest of strength, skill, and endurance has blossomed into a remarkable display of unity, teamwork, and the indomitable FAAN spirit,” Kuku said. “This event is not just about winning medals, it is about strengthening the bond that ties us together as one FAAN family.”
She praised the Director of Human Resources and Administration alongside the General Manager of Welfare and Management Services for their leadership and commitment to staff welfare. Kuku noted that the sports competition reinforced camaraderie and boosted morale across FAAN’s directorates.
“Permit me to commend all volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this competition safe, fair, and enjoyable for everyone,” she added.
Beyond football, DES also distinguished itself in other sporting categories. In swimming, Caleb Nnamani of the Directorate of Human Resources and Administration (DHR&A) won the men’s breaststroke, while Oyedele Philips from the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD) and Ikwulono Ochonye of DES placed second and third respectively. In the women’s breaststroke, Nwoke Goodness of DCBD clinched gold, followed by Amushie Ogechi of DHR&A and Philip Sabina of DFA.
DFA recorded success in table tennis as Timothy Ayinde claimed the men’s singles title, beating Babatunde Adedeji of the Directorate of Airports Operations (DAO) and Hassan Sadiq of DHR&A. In the women’s table tennis final, Jessica Oguechuba of DFA triumphed, while Mann Suliat Omotola of DHR&A and Akinwunmi Ifeoluwa of the Directorate of Aviation Security Services (DASS) finished second and third.
DAO shone in lawn tennis, with Abdu Gabriel and Yusuf Odudu securing first and second places, and Bello Kabir of DES taking third. The chess events were equally intense as directorates competed fiercely for supremacy. In chess rapid, Ojo F.O. of DASS took gold ahead of Idiakhoa Efe of DAO and Okondo Kehinde of the Directorate of Security Services (DSSD). Ojo repeated his dominance in chess blitz, winning another gold, while Ogunfuye Adewole of DSD and Okemusi Elizabeth of the Directorate of Administration and Services (DAS) settled for silver and bronze.
In the swimming freestyle (female) event, Jessica Oguechuba of DFA secured another gold medal, while Chidinma Cassandra of DES placed second, and Okorie Uju of DASS came third. These results reflected the intense inter-directorate competition and team spirit that defined the tournament.
As the final whistle sounded, DES celebrated not only its football victory but also its outstanding overall participation. The Directorate of Engineering Services demonstrated excellence, teamwork, and resilience throughout the games, earning applause from colleagues and management alike.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Agbebire, representing the Managing Director, encouraged staff to carry the same unity and sportsmanship into their daily work.
“As we celebrate today’s champions, let us remember that the true victory lies not just in the trophies, but in the friendships built and the spirit of togetherness rekindled,” Kuku emphasized.
