Tonic FC claim 1xCup title on debut after penalty shootout victory

Tonic FC won the fourth edition of the 1xCup on Saturday, October 31, beating Young Strikers FC on penalties after their final at the Inspire Sport Arena in Lagos ended goalless.

The Ikorodu-based debutants converted all four of their spot-kicks, while goalkeeper Femi Adegboyega saved two penalties to secure the trophy and the N10m prize.

Abdulahi Jamiu scored the decisive fourth penalty for Oladipupo Abiola’s side. Young Strikers FC received N5m as runners-up.

JP Young Stars FC finished third after beating Collins Edwin SC 4-2 in a shootout following a 2-2 draw. Their victory earned them bronze medals and N3m.

Tonic FC’s route to the final had been unexpected. They required penalty shootouts to defeat Agbede Supreme FC and Vino Gano in the qualifying rounds, then drew all three of their group-stage games.

Their performances improved in the knockout phase, where they recorded three consecutive 2-1 wins against 36 Lion FC, Joy Cometh FC and JP Young Stars FC.

Young Strikers FC had arrived at the final with 21 goals from eight matches. Seventeen-year-old forward Lawal Muiz had scored six of them.

But the attacking side could not find a way through in a cautious final. Young Strikers created the clearer opportunities without converting them, and the destination of the trophy was eventually decided by penalties.

Adegboyega’s two saves gave Tonic FC the advantage before Jamiu completed the shootout and secured their first 1xCup title.

In the third-place play-off, JP Young Stars FC scored in the opening minute and added a second goal in the 34th minute. Collins Edwin SC responded with two goals to force penalties, but JP Young Stars FC held their nerve to win the shootout.

Former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo and Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, were among the guests at the tournament’s deciding matches.

Ighalo praised organisers 1xBet Nigeria for their support of grassroots football and for creating opportunities for emerging players.

“We need tournaments like this to spot good players and find the next Victor Osimhen,” he said.

The organisers said the competition involved 100 clubs from the five divisions of Lagos over just over three months and offered a total prize fund of N20m. They also said more than 30 players from previous editions had gone on to play professional football.

A 1xCup spokesperson said Tonic FC’s success demonstrated the tournament’s purpose.

“This season has brought us some incredible moments! We’ve seen thrilling matches, fierce battles, and teams that never gave up, even in the toughest situations. The story of Tonic FC is the best proof,” the spokesperson said.

“But the most important thing for us is not who lifted the trophy, but the fact that, thanks to 1xCup, talented young players get a chance to make a name for themselves and take their first step towards a professional career. It’s for stories like these that we organize this competition.”

The individual awards, including Most Valuable Player, top scorer and best goalkeeper, will be presented at a ceremony on November 6.