1xCup 2026: Ighalo FA and Dosu Joseph FC make flying starts

The 1xCup 2026 qualifiers have begun with 78 goals scored in 24 matches across the opening six matchdays, as teams compete for places in the next stage of the grassroots tournament.

The fourth edition has featured 48 teams so far, with an average of more than three goals per game. The opening fixtures have produced a mixture of commanding wins, dramatic comebacks and closely contested matches.

Dosu Joseph FC set the early pace on 23 July with a 5-1 victory over Ikosi FC. OOA FA went one better by beating Ikoyi Dolphin FC 6-2, while Ighalo FA made a strong statement of their own with a 5-0 win against Panthers FA.

The high-scoring nature of the competition has been matched by a number of tight encounters. Matches are played over two 30-minute halves, leaving little time for teams to recover from mistakes. Six games have gone to penalty shootouts, while five more have been decided by a single goal.

Somolu Bariga FC produced one of the most notable results after recovering from a difficult position against Cityfut Escola. Having gone a goal down and been reduced to 10 players, Somolu Bariga FC fought back to equalise before securing victory in the subsequent penalty shootout.

Arich FC also overturned expectations in their match against The Pro Select FC. After falling behind, Arich recovered to level the game and eventually prevailed 6-5 on penalties. Experienced striker Paul Aba was at the centre of the celebrations following the win.

Vinmo Energy FC forward Oladapo Albert currently leads the scoring charts after scoring a hat-trick in his team’s 5-1 victory over Budu Elites FA.

Daja United’s John David Kelechi made an immediate impression on his debut, scoring twice and receiving the Player of the Match award. The forward, who is from Aba, dedicated his display to his family and praised team-mate Samuel Choice for his contribution.

Several other players have also made significant attacking contributions. Ighalo FA’s Alidu Mohammed and Ezeji Ikenna, OOA FA’s Alabi Hammed, and AMA Smile FC’s Adeleye Emmanuel Odunayo have each scored twice in their respective matches.

Greenlock FC’s Marcus Promise has attracted attention for his energetic performances. His all-round displays have marked him out as one of the players to watch as the tournament progresses.

Now in its fourth season, the 1xCup brings together 100 teams from Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe. The qualifying competition is being played on a zonal basis, with teams first facing opponents from their local areas before moving into the knockout rounds.

At the conclusion of the qualifiers, 24 teams will reach the group stage, where the standard of competition is expected to rise further.

The tournament continues to provide a route into professional football for emerging players. More than 30 footballers from previous editions have gone on to secure professional contracts in Nigeria and abroad.

So far, 24 teams have advanced to the second round, while 52 teams are still waiting to play their opening fixtures. Matches will continue at different centres, with Lagos Island games scheduled for 6 August at Inspire Sport Arena in Oshodi. Fixtures in Ikorodu will follow on 7 August, before the competition moves to Badagry on 8 August.

The second-round fixtures include Ighalo FA against Arich FC, OOA FA versus Daja United, and Vinmo Energy FC’s meeting with Ajuwa FA.

The qualifiers are scheduled to continue until 4 September, when the 24 teams that will compete in the main stage are expected to be confirmed.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel