1xCup 2026 Gains Momentum: Key Highlights from Opening Weeks of Qualifiers

The 1xCup 2026 qualifiers are gaining momentum. Over the first six matchdays, 48 teams played 24 matches and scored 78 goals. The opening matches have already highlighted several standout teams and players, although it is still too early to identify the tournament’s clear favorites.

Lopsided wins and battles down to last kick

From the opening matches, the qualifiers have delivered plenty of goals, with teams averaging more than three per game. Dosu Joseph FC set the pace on July 23 by routing Ikosi FC 5–1. OOA FA produced an even more convincing performance, defeating Ikoyi Dolphin FC 6–2.

Ighalo FA also made a strong impression on the fans with a 5–0 win over Panthers FA. The team stood out not only for its scoring but also for its cohesive play: the players were organized, understood one another well, and gave their opponents almost no opportunities.

However, most matches were much more hard-fought. In a format consisting of two 30-minute halves, the cost of every mistake is particularly high, so a single moment can often decide the outcome. Six of the 24 matches went to penalty shootouts, while another five were decided by a single goal. Somolu Bariga FC staged a remarkable comeback. The team was trailing Cityfut Escola 1–0 and was down a player, but managed to equalize before claiming victory in the penalty shootout.

Arich FC and The Pro Select FC produced a real thriller. The more experienced Arich side was considered the underdog before the match, but despite falling behind, the team managed to equalize and force a penalty shootout, which it won 6–5. Veteran striker Paul Aba, who wears the number nine shirt, was especially emotional in his celebrations.

Early Heroes

It is still too early to assess the balance of power based on just one match, but the tournament’s first heroes have already made their mark. Oladapo Albert scored a hat trick and led Vinmo Energy FC to a commanding 5–1 victory over Budu Elites FA. After six matchdays, the striker sits alone at the top of the qualifying stage’s scoring chart.

John David Kelechi of Daja United was the real revelation of the opening games. In his 1xCup debut, the striker scored twice and received the Player of the Match award. He dedicated his success to his family, who support him from his hometown of Aba. Kelechi displayed not only skill but also humility. When asked who else deserved the award, John immediately named his teammate Samuel Choice, highlighting his hard work and love of football.

Four other players also began the qualifiers with two goals each. Alidu Mohammed and Ezeji Ikenna both scored twice for Ighalo FA, Alabi Hammed netted two goals for OOA FA, and Adeleye Emmanuel Odunayo did the same for AMA Smile FC. Marcus Promis, Greenlock FC’s number seven, also deserves a special mention. He is an excellent player who seemed to be everywhere on the field. Scouts should definitely keep an eye on him, especially if his club advances to the group stage.

The heroes of the opening weeks included not only players but also spectators. Dynamic FC’s fans were particularly memorable, with their loud and energetic support playing an important role in the team’s victory.

This is only the beginning

The fourth season of the 1xCup features 100 teams from Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe, so the start of the tournament offers only an initial glimpse of the scale of the qualifiers. For now, the competition is taking place within individual zones, where clubs face opponents from neighboring areas. The winners of these local matchups will continue through the qualifying bracket, while the top 24 teams will advance to the group stage.

The 1xCup gives players not only an opportunity to compete for the trophy but also a chance to take the next step in their careers. More than 30 participants from previous seasons went on to sign contracts with professional clubs in Nigeria and other countries. For the current players, the qualifiers also provide an opportunity to showcase their abilities and attract the attention of scouts.

Battle for 24 Spots Continues

The qualifiers are still far from over. After six matchdays, 24 teams have advanced to the second round, while another 52 are still preparing to play their opening games. On August 6, matches in the Lagos Island zone will take place at Inspire Sport Arena in Oshodi, followed by the Ikorodu zone on August 7 and the Badagry zone on August 8. The upcoming matchups are sure to produce new heroes and could significantly reshape the top scorer race.

In the second round, the teams that made a strong start to the qualifiers will have to confirm their ambitions in more difficult matchups. Ighalo FA will face Arich FC, OOA FA will take on Daja United, which opened the tournament with a 3–0 victory, and Vinmo Energy FC will play Ajuwa FA, which needed only one goal to defeat Kosas Phantom FC.

The qualifiers will conclude on September 4, when the 24 participants in the main stage will be determined. The opening fixtures have already produced their share of heroes and revealed several favorites, but everything can still change. After all, every new clash begins at 0–0.