1xCup 2025: Ikorodu City, ISAGT Reach Quarters as Wild Card Race Heats Up

The Group Stage of the 1xCup 2025 saw dramatic developments in Week 4, with Ikorodu City FA and ISAGT securing quarter-final berths, while the race for the coveted Wild Card spots grew more thrilling.

• Ikorodu City FA earned their passage with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Young Strikers FA. The Lagos side trailed after conceding a spectacular lob reminiscent of Ronaldinho’s famed strike in the 2002 World Cup, yet rallied late to snatch a point.
• In Group C, G-Innovation FC edged Ecas FA 1-0, climbing to second place, though their advancement now hinges on other results.
• ISAGT topped their group following a tense 1-1 stalemate with Utility FC, demonstrating both attacking intent and defensive resilience.
• Elsewhere, Dosu Joseph FC delivered a dominant 3-0 win over Soccer Cardinals FA, sealing a Wild Card berth and extinguishing the Cardinals’ hopes, especially after their missed penalty at 0-1.
• Collins Edwin FA edged Nath Boys FA 3-2, featuring an audacious goal scored from midfield. Nath Boys needed just a draw to qualify but fell short early and couldn’t recover.
• 36 Lions FC enjoyed their first tournament win, edging Africano FA 1-0 to leap into third place and eliminate Africano from contention.
• In Group D, Inspire Sport Academy (ISA) suffered a 2-1 defeat to Vinmo Energy FC, halting their ascent. This opened the door for FC Bethel Sporting, who capitalised with a 2-1 win over Brighton FC, booking a Wild Card spot while sealing Brighton’s exit—the only team to lose all matches thus far.

With three group games remaining, the battle for Wild Card spots remains wide open. Community Gunners FC must win and could top their group with a five-goal swing. The showdown between Emaljus FC vs Young Strikers FA will be decisive: a draw sends both through; a loss eliminates one. Meanwhile, FC Bethel Sporting vs Vinmo Energy FC could determine the group’s winner—Vinmo needs a win, while Bethel must win by five goals to seal pole position.

Editorial

We celebrate Ikorodu City FA and ISAGT for their composed and determined performances under pressure. Their qualification was earned, not gifted. Ikorodu’s resilience in turning around a stunning strike and securing the draw exemplified grit. ISAGT’s tactical balance under duress demonstrated maturity beyond their years.

Yet, the 1xCup’s most compelling narratives may come from the Wild Card race—where margins are tenths of a second or inches from the goal line. For squads like Community Gunners FC and Young Strikers FA, the remaining matches are literal make-or-break junctures. This is brand of football that elevates the tournament—an arena where ambition meets reality in every minute.

As supporters, we’re captivated by the tension. These young men are more than teams; many are the face of tomorrow’s Nigerian pro football. The spectacle should inspire both grassroots administrators to invest and fans to rally behind these rising stars.

The promise is clear: this is not just a competition—it’s a proving ground. And right now, the proving is riveting.

Did You Know?

1. Ikorodu City FA’s equaliser came after conceding a goal styled to mimic a Ronaldinho lambreta, just as memorable as the legend’s 2002 strike.
2. Dosu Joseph FC’s thrashing win over Soccer Cardinals FA clinched their Wild Card spot in emphatic fashion—rare for a side that also plays with composure.
3. Collins Edwin FA’s winner against Nath Boys FA was not just three goals—it featured a spectacular goal from the halfway line.
4. 36 Lions FC’s win was their first in the 1xCup and immediately eliminated Africano FA, drastically shifting the group’s dynamic.
5. FC Bethel Sporting’s qualification came at the expense of Brighton FC—the only team yet to win a match in the tournament.