The 1xCup 2026 qualifiers recorded an explosive start, with 78 goals scored across 24 matches after six matchdays, as teams battle for places in the competition’s next phase.
A total of 48 teams featured in the fourth edition of the grassroots tournament, delivering an average of over three goals per game and producing a mix of dominant victories and closely contested encounters.
Among the biggest results recorded, Dosu Joseph FC opened the scoring wave with a 5–1 thrashing of Ikosi FC on July 23, while OOA FA went a step further with a 6–2 win over Ikoyi Dolphin FC. Ighalo FA also underlined their early credentials with a comprehensive 5–0 victory against Panthers FA, displaying both attacking strength and tactical cohesion.
Despite the high number of goals, several matches have been decided by narrow margins, highlighting the competitive nature of the qualifiers. With games played in two 30-minute halves, teams have had little room for error, resulting in six matches being settled via penalty shootouts and five others decided by a single goal.
One of the most remarkable performances came from Somolu Bariga FC, who staged a dramatic comeback against Cityfut Escola. The side, reduced to 10 men and trailing by a goal, fought back to equalise before securing victory through penalties.
In another closely fought encounter, Arich FC defied expectations to defeat The Pro Select FC. After falling behind, Arich rallied to level the score and eventually triumphed 6–5 in a penalty shootout, with experienced striker Paul Aba leading the celebrations.
Individually, Vinmo Energy FC’s Oladapo Albert has emerged as the leading scorer of the qualifiers, netting a hat-trick in his side’s 5–1 win over Budu Elites FA to top the scoring chart after the opening round of matches.
Daja United’s John David Kelechi also made an instant impact, scoring twice on his debut to earn the Player of the Match award. The forward, who hails from Aba, dedicated his performance to his family and praised teammate Samuel Choice for his contribution.
Other players who have made notable contributions include Ighalo FA duo Alidu Mohammed and Ezeji Ikenna, OOA FA’s Alabi Hammed, and AMA Smile FC’s Adeleye Emmanuel Odunayo, all of whom scored two goals each in their respective matches.
Greenlock FC’s Marcus Promise also drawn attention for his energetic displays, with his all-round performance marking him as one of the players to watch as the tournament progresses.
The 1xCup, now in its fourth season, features 100 teams drawn from across Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe. The qualifiers are currently being played on a zonal basis, with teams competing against local opponents before advancing through the knockout stages.
At the end of the qualifying rounds, 24 teams will progress to the group stage, where the competition is expected to intensify further.
The tournament has continued to serve as a pathway for emerging football talents, with over 30 players from previous editions securing professional contracts within Nigeria and abroad.
So far, 24 teams have advanced to the second round, while 52 teams are yet to play their opening matches. Fixtures are scheduled to continue across different centres, with Lagos Island matches holding on August 6 at Inspire Sport Arena in Oshodi, followed by games in Ikorodu on August 7 and Badagry on August 8.
Attention will now shift to key second-round fixtures, including Ighalo FA’s clash with Arich FC, OOA FA’s meeting withe Daja United, and Vinmo Energy FC’s encounter with Ajuwa FA.
The qualifiers are expected to run until September 4, when the final 24 teams for the main stage will be confirmed.
