1xCup 2026 Opens with 22 Goals, Hat-Tricks and Rising Stars
From September 15 to 17, the 1xCup 2026 group stage kicked off at Inspire Sports Arena with nine matches producing 22 goals. Joel Emanuel scored a brace to give Vido 99 FC a 3-1 win over Emiloju FC, while Emeka Sylvester completed a hat-trick as Ajuwa FC thrashed Joy Cometh FC 4-0. BYT Academical FC fought back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw with JP Young Stars FC, and Newhope Maija FC and Kiraa FA played out a goalless stalemate, each recording their third clean sheet of the tournament—Kiraa FA notably missing top scorer Emmanuel Ben, who has four goals in two matches. AUX FC snatched a 1-0 win at Ecas FA thanks to a second-half assist from substitute Arong Theophilus for Aron Ogodogbo, and Tonic FC shared points with Mega 22 FC in a 1-1 draw. The Lions began their campaign with a dominant 4-1 victory over Ighalo FC, extending Ezeji Ikenna’s lead in the Golden Boot race with his sixth goal. Maryland United FC held off a revived Crystal FC 2-1, and Young Strikers FC edged Inspire SA 0-1 with a late finish. The opening round highlighted the tournament’s competitiveness, emerging talents, and set the stage for Matchday 2, which is imminent. Fans can view the full fixture list at 1xcup.ng/fixtures and follow the teams representing their communities as the battle for playoff places intensifies.