Ighalo FA and Dosu Joseph FC stood out as the 1xCup 2026 qualifiers kicked off with a bang. A total of 78 goals were scored in 24 matches after six matchdays.
Forty-eight teams took part in this grassroots tournament, averaging over three goals per game. The matches had a mix of big wins and tightly contested games.
Dosu Joseph FC set the pace with a 5-1 win against Ikosi FC on July 23. OOA FA followed up with a strong 6-2 victory over Ikoyi Dolphin FC. Ighalo FA also showed their strength with a 5-0 win against Panthers FA, highlighting their attacking power and good tactics.
Even with all the goals, many matches were decided by close scores, showing how competitive the qualifiers are. The games are played in two 30-minute halves, giving teams little room for mistakes. Six matches ended in penalty shootouts and five were decided by just one goal.
One of the standout moments came from Somolu Bariga FC. They made a stunning comeback against Cityfut Escola. After going down a goal and losing a player to a red card, they managed to equalise and won in penalties.
Vinmo Energy FC’s Oladapo Albert has become the top scorer in the qualifiers. He scored a hat-trick in his team’s 5-1 win over Budu Elites FA. Daja United’s John David Kelechi made a splash in his first game, scoring two goals and winning the Player of the Match award. He dedicated his performance to his family and thanked his teammate Samuel Choice for his support.
Other notable players include Ighalo FA’s Alidu Mohammed and Ezeji Ikenna, OOA FA’s Alabi Hammed, and AMA Smile FC’s Adeleye Emmanuel Odunayo, all of whom scored twice in their matches. Greenlock FC’s Marcus Promise also impressed with his energetic play.
The 1xCup is now in its fourth season, featuring 100 teams from Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe. The qualifiers are played zonally before teams move on to the knockout stages. Twenty-four teams will make it to the group stage after the qualifying rounds. This tournament has been a stepping stone for many talents, with over 30 players from past editions earning professional contracts in Nigeria and overseas.
As of now, 24 teams have advanced to the second round, while 52 teams are yet to play their first matches. The fixtures will continue at different locations, with matches on Lagos Island set for August 6 at the Inspire Sport Arena in Oshodi. This will be followed by games in Ikorodu on August 7 and Badagry on August 8.
Next, all eyes will be on crucial second-round matches, including Ighalo FA’s game against Arich FC, OOA FA’s clash with Daja United, and Vinmo Energy FC’s match against Ajuwa FA. The qualifiers are expected to continue until September 4, when the final 24 teams for the main tournament will be confirmed.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇