Energy, Fanfare And a New Chapter in Nigerian Football History

 

The Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, buzzed with excitement on October 16 as the climactic battles of Nigeria’s premier amateur football championship unfolded. Hosted by the renowned betting platform 1xBet, the tournament delivered unforgettable moments under the floodlights.

 

Third Place Showdown

 

Nath Boys FA 1-2 Dosu Joseph FC

 

Nath Boys struck first with a lightning-quick 15th-minute counterattack—two precise passes slicing through the defense before a composed finish past the stranded keeper. But Dosu Joseph FC, written off after early group-stage struggles, roared back with a second-half masterclass. Capitalizing on a goalkeeping error from a set-piece, they leveled instantly after the break before stunning spectators with a jaw-dropping direct corner-kick winner.

 

Though Nath Boys dazzled throughout the competition with free-flowing attacks, their finishing deserted them when it mattered most. Dosu Joseph’s resolute defense and ruthless counterplay earned them both a thrilling comeback victory and the ₦3,000,000 third-place prize.

 

The Final: A Defensive Masterpiece

 

Ikorodu City FA 1-0 ISAGT

 

Tournament favorites Ikorodu City FA cemented their legacy with an ironclad defensive display, conceding just twice all tournament. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when ISAGT’s momentary lapse was punished clinically. The backline—anchored by goalkeeper Abdullahi Sulaiman—stood unshaken under pressure, securing the trophy through sheer tactical discipline.

 

Celebrating Excellence

 

Beyond team glory, standout individuals reaped rewards for their tournament brilliance:

  • Team of the Tournament: Ikorodu City FA — ₦300,000
  • Best Coach: Wellington Egor (Ikorodu City FA) — ₦300,000
  • MVP: Adewale Quadri (Nath Boys FA) — ₦300,000
  • Goal of the Tournament: ISGAT FA — ₦300,000
  • Golden Boot: Uche Emeribe (Vinmo Energy FA) — ₦300,000
  • Best Goalkeeper: Abdullahi Sulaiman (Ikorodu City FA) — ₦250,000
  • Moment of Magic: Dosu Joseph FC — ₦250,000

1xCup CEO Alhaji Waheed Akanni reflected: “This finale embodied football’s soul—a pulsating showcase of talent and passion that redefined grassroots sport in Nigeria. The energy from players and fans was absolutely unparalleled.”

 

With over 450 teams vying for participation in 2025, the 1xCup continues its meteoric rise as Nigeria’s ultimate amateur football fiesta.

 

Though the final whistle has blown, the echoes of this year’s tournament will resonate across communities united by their love for the beautiful game. The stage is set for 1xCup 2026—where dreams will soar even higher.