By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja is gearing up to host one of the corporate sector’s most anticipated sporting events as the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) Games commence on November 25 in Abuja.
No fewer than ten top PFAs are expected to battle for supremacy at the Turf Arena Sports Centre (TASC), where the competition will run from November 25 to November 29 , 2025 in Abuja.
At the official draw ceremony held on Saturday,in Abuja the organisers reaffirmed strict eligibility and verification rules aimed at preserving the integrity of the tournament.
They announced that NYSC Corps members and interns will not be allowed to participate, emphasising that only confirmed staff of the competing organisations are permitted in the sporting categories.
All athletes will undergo verification through their RSA PINs before kickoff.
Promise Onyedikachi Moses, Executive Assistant at TASC, said the forthcoming edition has been deliberately upgraded to deliver a richer experience.
“The camaraderie and family atmosphere at the last edition were beautiful. This year, we are adding new twists to make the games more competitive, engaging, and memorable,” he said.
Signals from the camps of participating PFAs suggest that the 2025 edition will be fiercely contested.
Trustfund Pensions, champions of the 2023 Games, have already issued a bold declaration of intent.
Their representative, Modestus Amaefule, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
“We are here to reclaim the title. With our preparation and management support, we are the team to beat,” he said.
But standing in their way are the defending champions, FCMB Pensions winners of both the 2022 and 2024 editions.
Representing them, Isah Kabir Umar made it clear that the title is not up for grabs.
“We are not relinquishing the title. We remain relentless, focused, and far from complacent,” he stated.
Also entering the fray with strong ambitions is the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Speaking on behalf of the regulatory body, Najib Shehu said they are not in the tournament merely to participate.
“To win, we must beat everyone and we’re ready. Our staff made sacrifices to be here, not to make up the numbers but to compete fiercely,” he said .
FCMB Pensions clinched the 2024 trophy after a dramatic five-day showdown in Abuja, adding to the anticipation around the upcoming edition.
This year’s competition will feature a wide range of events, including Football (7/9-a-side), Co-Ed Volleyball, Table Tennis, Snooker.
Others are Scrabble, Chess, eSports (FIFA), and team-bonding challenges designed to test strategy, teamwork, and athletic skill.
Competing PFAs include:FCMB Pension (Defending champions; 2022 and 2024 winners), Trustfund Pension (2023 champions), PenCom,Norrenberger Pension,Premium Pension.
Also ,Tangerine Apt Pension ,NUPEMCO,NPF Pensions,Access Pensions and NNPC Pension.