Ighalo FA, Dosu Joseph FC shine at 1xCup

Ighalo FA and Dosu Joseph FC were standout performers in the 1xCup 2026 qualifiers, which concluded with 78 goals scored in 24 matches. A total of 48 teams participated in the fourth edition of the grassroots tournament, with an average of over three goals per game. Dosu Joseph FC opened the scoring with a 5-1 victory over Ikosi FC, while OOA FA set a high standard with a 6-2 win over Ikoyi Dolphin FC.

Ighalo FA also impressed with a dominant 5-0 win over Panthers FA. Despite the high-scoring matches, several games were decided by narrow margins, with six matches going to penalty shootouts and five decided by a single goal. Notable performances included Somolu Bariga FC's dramatic comeback against Cityfut Escola and Arich FC's penalty shootout win over The Pro Select FC.

Vinmo Energy FC's Oladapo Albert was the leading scorer, netting a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Budu Elites FA. Over 30 players from previous editions of the tournament have earned professional contracts in Nigeria and abroad, highlighting the tournament's role in developing emerging talent. The 1xCup concluded with the final 24 teams confirmed for the main stage, with fixtures scheduled to continue until September 4.