It was more than a football match. It was a festival of unity. A clash of colours. A celebration of teamwork, talent, and the unstoppable spirit of Checkers Africa Limited.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the heart of Lagos pulsed to the rhythm of cheers, beats, and football boots as the Femi Gbajabiamila Mini Stadium at Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos, hosted this years’ edition of Checkers Cup, an inter-branch football tourney.
Two teams. Two branches. One dream
Team Choco Tee from Mushin and Team Pap representing Ikorodu came face-to-face in a thrilling display of raw energy, strategic play, and unwavering team spirit that left every spectator on the edge of their seat.
A Match Etched in Checkers Legacy
With 11 players on each side, it was an electric atmosphere from the kick-off to the final whistle. Each half saw both teams battle fiercely, but it was the penalty shootout that defined the day.
The decider? A sharp strike by jersey number 10 from Team Choco Tee that sailed past the goalkeeper and into the net, a goal that would crown Team Choco Tee as champions of Checkers Cup 2025 with a 1–0 finish.
The winning scorer, hailed across the stands, was named Man of the Match, not only for the crucial goal but for his commanding presence throughout the game.
“It wasn’t just about winning. It was about representing our branch with pride and giving it everything on the pitch,” said the MVP, beaming with joy after the final whistle.
Leadership in the Stands, Love on the Field
The event was graced by key company figures, including Karan Checker, Managing Director of Checkers Africa Limited, Anant Mehta, National Sales Manager, and the Product Managers of both Choco Tee and Pap, Ghanda Phadeke and Oskar Bajaj alongside staff, partners, and well-wishers from across Lagos.
Dressed in branded team kits and high spirits, the crowd’s energy was contagious. Cheers rang out from all corners of the stadium as supporters waved banners, sounded vuvuzelas, and turned every minute into a celebration of talent and unity.
More Than a Match – A Movement
Checkers Cup strategic move to reinforce employee engagement, branch unity, and internal culture. As a brand that believes in the power of connection, the event showcased what happens when competition meets community.
The stadium wasn’t just filled with football fans, it was alive with joy. A live DJ kept the music going, food and drinks flowed making the event more of a corporate carnival.
“This match was a testament to the incredible spirit that drives Checkers as a company,” said Karan Checker, Managing Director of Checkers Africa. “We saw excellence, resilience, and unity on display not just on the pitch, but across every cheering face in the crowd.”
Captured in Lights and Lenses
Media teams were on ground to document the event, capturing the sweat, the smiles and camaraderie. The images will soon be published across internal platforms, social media, and press channels, ensuring this memory lives on far beyond the stadium walls.
Plans are already stirring for a Checkers Football League, a wider intra-company competition that would span more departments and branches in coming editions.
When Culture Meets Competition
Checkers Cup 2025 delivered on every front — entertainment, engagement, and impact. It left players fulfilled, fans inspired, and the FMCG’s leadership proud. In the words of one cheering staff member, “Today, we weren’t just employees, we were a family.”
Checkers Africa Limited is one of Nigeria’s leading food brands, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and wholesome nutrition.
With beloved household staples such as Checkers Custard, Checkers Pap, and the fast-rising Checkers Choco Tee 3-in-1, the company continues to build a legacy of trust and taste across Africa.
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