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1xCup 2026 qualifiers produce 78 goals as Ighalo FA and Dosu Joseph FC impress
The 1xCup 2026 qualifiers have begun with 78 goals in 24 matches after six matchdays, as Ighalo FA and Dosu Joseph FC made strong starts in the fourth edition of the grassroots competition.
A total of 48 teams have taken part so far, producing an average of more than three goals per game. The results have ranged from emphatic victories to tightly contested matches decided by the narrowest of margins.
Dosu Joseph FC set the tone on 23 July with a 5-1 victory over Ikosi FC. OOA FA then recorded an even bigger win, beating Ikoyi Dolphin FC 6-2, while Ighalo FA defeated Panthers FA 5-0 in a performance that highlighted their attacking quality and organisation.
Although the opening round has been marked by high-scoring games, six matches have gone to penalty shootouts and five have been decided by a single goal. Matches are played over two 30-minute halves, leaving little time for teams to recover from mistakes or overturn a deficit.
Somolu Bariga FC produced one of the most dramatic results of the qualifiers against Cityfut Escola. After going down to 10 players and falling behind, Somolu Bariga FC fought back to equalise before completing the comeback in a penalty shootout.
Arich FC also displayed considerable resilience in their meeting with The Pro Select FC. Having initially trailed, Arich recovered to level the match and eventually won 6-5 on penalties, with experienced striker Paul Aba at the centre of the celebrations.
Oladapo leads scoring chart
Vinmo Energy FC forward Oladapo Albert is the leading scorer after the opening round. He claimed a hat-trick in his team’s 5-1 win over Budu Elites FA to move to the top of the qualifiers’ scoring standings.
Daja United’s John David Kelechi also made an immediate impression on his debut, scoring twice and collecting 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.
Other players to have scored twice include Ighalo FA pair Alidu Mohammed and Ezeji Ikenna, OOA FA’s Alabi Hammed and AMA Smile FC’s Adeleye Emmanuel Odunayo.
Greenlock FC’s Marcus Promise has also attracted attention with a series of energetic performances. His all-round displays have marked him out as one of the players to watch as the tournament develops.
The 1xCup is now in its fourth season and features 100 teams from across Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe. The qualifying competition is being played on a zonal basis, with teams facing local opponents before progressing through knockout rounds.
When the qualifiers conclude, 24 teams will advance to the group stage, where the level of competition is expected to increase.
The tournament has also continued to provide a route into professional football for emerging players. More than 30 footballers from previous editions have secured professional contracts in Nigeria and abroad.
So far, 24 teams have reached the second round, while 52 teams are still to play their opening matches. Fixtures will continue at different centres, with games in Lagos Island scheduled for 6 August at Inspire Sport Arena in Oshodi. Matches in Ikorodu will follow on 7 August, before the competition moves to Badagry on 8 August.
The next round includes several notable fixtures. Ighalo FA will face Arich FC, OOA FA will meet Daja United and Vinmo Energy FC will play Ajuwa FA.
The 1xCup 2026 qualifiers are scheduled to continue until 4 September, when the 24 teams that will compete in the main stage are expected to be confirmed.
