Ikorodu Metropolis FA had been topped champions of the 2025 1xCup after edging ISAGT FC 1–0 in a tense ultimate on the Mobolaji Johnson Area, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday.
The outcome capped an unbeaten marketing campaign and drew widespread reward for the group and the event’s rising impression on grassroots soccer.
The ultimate lived as much as expectations with end-to-end motion and drama.
After a number of missed possibilities within the first half, Ikorodu Metropolis broke the impasse by means of Emmanuel Okeh halfway into the second half.
They held on to their slender lead regardless of being decreased to 10 males within the closing minutes following a crimson card.
Coach Washington Egor of Ikorodu Metropolis FA hailed the victory as a reward for dedication and self-discipline. “I’m very comfortable as a result of we’ve finished loads of work,” he mentioned. “This competitors is without doubt one of the largest in Nigeria. You possibly can see the environment and the standard. It’s nice for grassroots soccer, and if extra stakeholders help initiatives like this, it should preserve many youths away from the streets.”
Striker Okiman Oji, who led the assault for the champions, attributed their success to teamwork and psychological energy. “It’s all about dedication, laborious work and focus,” he advised PREMIUM TIMES.
“It is a robust competitors, however we believed in ourselves and stored pushing. It’s a giant step in our careers, and we’ll preserve working in direction of higher alternatives.”
Former Tremendous Eagles star and event organiser Waidi Akanni praised the standard of the 2025 version, describing it as the most effective but.
“The 1xCup has lived as much as its purpose of discovering new abilities,” he mentioned. “Yearly, we see contemporary groups reaching the highest. None of this yr’s semifinalists featured in final yr’s ultimate 4, which reveals how aggressive and inclusive it has grow to be. A number of the gamers from previous editions are already taking part in in skilled leagues house and overseas.”
Regardless of shedding narrowly within the ultimate, ISAGT coach Tunde Omoniyi mentioned his group had gained beneficial expertise.
“We discovered loads from taking part in towards Ikorodu Metropolis,” he mentioned. “They’re an organised aspect with construction. We’ll enhance from right here and are available again stronger.”
The third place winner
Within the third-place match, Dosu Joseph FC got here from behind to defeat Nath Boys FA 2–1 and declare the bronze medal together with a ₦3 million prize.
Nath Boys had taken the lead within the first half, however Dosu Joseph turned the sport round with a surprising free kick and a composed end.
Particular person awards additionally highlighted the depth of expertise on show.
Uche Emeribe received the Golden Boot with 5 objectives, Abdullahi Suleiman was named Finest Goalkeeper, Adewale Quadri emerged Most Priceless Participant, whereas Ikorodu Metropolis’s Wellington Egor was voted Finest Coach. Every award got here with a ₦300,000 prize.
Finest Goalkeeper Award winner
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Goalkeeper Suleiman described his award as “an amazing motivation.” “There have been many good goalkeepers on this event,” he mentioned. “Being chosen means loads. That is only the start for me, and I’m decided to go increased.”
With over 4 months of aggressive soccer, the 1xCup as soon as once more underscored its status as Nigeria’s main novice soccer platform.
From the packed stands at Onikan to the scouts watching from the sidelines, the 2025 version reaffirmed that the way forward for Nigerian soccer continues to develop on the grassroots.
