We recap the first week of the group stage in Nigeria’s biggest amateur championship.
Shocking upsets
The G12 FC, 36 Lion FC, and Young Strikers FC teams’ chances were highly evaluated by the public and experts. However, the start of the group stage revealed that the favorites won’t have an easy journey, and big names alone don’t guarantee success.
G12 FC faced a tough challenge, first losing to Bethel FC (0-3) and then managing only a draw against Wasola FC. Even though its opponent could field only 10 players, it didn’t help G12 FC secure a win. Now, with just 1 point and only two matches left before the group stage ends, G12 FC has little time to turn things around.
Young Strikers FC’s 0-2 loss to last year’s finalist and main rival, Ighalo FC, is understandable. However, 36 Lion FC certainly expected more in its match against Dominion Hotspur. The team struggled to break through its opponent’s well-organized defense and ultimately couldn’t equalize after conceding the only goal.
Fans were also disappointed by Team 360 FC, who fell to the relentless attacks of Dosu Joseph FC and lost 1-3.
First week’s heroes
Diadem Stallion FC displayed its best performance at the start of the group stage, defeating Royalty FC 5-0. The team, showcasing power and speed, drew public attention and could become the tournament’s dark horse.
Okechukwu Nwanna scored 6 goals in 2 matches at the previous stage and continued his scoring feats in Victor Osimhen’s style. With his brace, the Bethel FC forward helped the team to defeat G12 FC. It won’t be long before this guy signs autographs on the street.
Champion’s calculated start
The capabilities of the SB LFC champions are well known to the public, who are used to the team’s high-level football. This is why fans criticized the first 1xCup winner for its unconvincing performance even after a 2-1 victory against Collins Edwin FC. However, coach Barrister Ayo Julius quickly reassured everyone, saying, “We are ready and determined to defend our title. We’re set to go all the way with our unique football style called Ramba-Samba.” He knows what he’s talking about, as the champions understand how to pace themselves throughout a long tournament.
Serious approach to the game
The cozy Legacy Pitch Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, hosted very different group-stage matches. But these games had one thing in common: an uncompromising fight, with only one draw as a result. In the 9 matches, 27 goals were scored, that is 2.67 goals per game on average. This means that the participants seek joy in attacking while still maintaining a strong defense. You will see this approach in professional football as well.
New 1xCup level
The teams are competing for a prize pool of 20,000,000 NGN, with half going to the winner. In the first 1xCup drawing, the amounts were 5,000,000 NGN and 1,000,000 NGN respectively.
The success of the first tournament resulted in a larger prize fund and heightened excitement, with 162 teams applying for the second 1xCup. After the elimination and qualification matches, 20 top teams advanced and were divided into 4 groups. The group winners will secure automatic spots in the quarter-finals, while the second and third-place teams in each group will compete for the remaining 4.
Come to the stadiums and cheer for your team, as the hottest 1xCup matches are still to come!
