Voice of the people

  1xCup2025 Semi-Finals Set to Light Up Mobolaji Johnson Arena By Dada Babajide Razak   The race for glory in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football competition, 1xCup2025, has reached its defining stage as the semi-final fixtures have officially been announced. In a move to raise the excitement and prestige of the tournament, the Organising Committee in a press release, has confirmed that all semi-final matches will be played at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium), Lagos, on Monday, October 6, 2025. Kick-off time for the first match of the day is 12 noon, while the second match berth at 1.45pm Fans will be treated to mouthwatering clashes as Natt Boys take on Ikorodu City FA, while Dosu Joseph FC battle ISAGT Athletics for the coveted spots in the grand finale. The organizers, while praising the professionalism and neutrality of the match officials so far, emphasized that no protests or disputes have been filed by any team, ensuring that all results remain valid...

  Clash of Titans and Underdogs: 1xCup2025 Semi-Finals Set for Fireworks By Dada Babajide Razak    _1xCup2025 Semi-Final Battles: Four Teams, One Dream_   The stage is set at Inspire Sports Arena, Cappa-Oshodi, as the semi-finals of 1xCup2025 promise fireworks, drama, and a showcase of grassroots football at its best on 30th September, 2025 at Inspire Sports Arena. After a thrilling quarter-final round filled with shocks and heroics, four teams remain—each with their eyes firmly set on the ₦20 million prize and ultimate glory.  * Natt Boys FC vs. Ikorodu City FC*  This clash is nothing short of a heavyweight contest. Natt Boys FC, fresh from their dramatic 8–6 penalty shootout, triumph over Emaljus FC, head into the semi-final brimming with belief. Their attacking flair and never-say-die spirit make them a dangerous opponent. But standing in their way is Ikorodu City FC, a side that has looked ruthless and composed throughout the tournament. Their 2–0 victo...

  Natt Boys, Ikorodu City Storm into 1xCup2025 Semi-Finals By DD Media Insight  The Inspire Sports Arena witnessed a day of rain, drama, and raw passion as Natt Boys FC and Ikorodu City FC sealed their places in the semi-finals of the 1xCup2025 An early downpour delayed kick-off by three hours, but when the action finally began, the tension was worth the wait. Immediately the competition’s technical team certified the playing turf fit for action, both teams lined up for the match ceremony, marking a milestone in grassroots football. In a symbolic act of sportsmanship, the sides exchanged framed jerseys before kickoff. In the opening quarter-final clash, Natt Boys FC and Emaljus FC played with caution, producing a cagey first half that ended goalless. The second half brought fireworks, with both sides carving out golden chances, only to be undone by poor finishing. With no breakthrough, the match rolled into a dramatic penalty shootout. Fans roared as both teams converted their...

  From Jerseys to Glory: 1xCup2025 Braces for Knockout Stage ” By Dada Babajide Razak  1xCup2025 Unveils Fresh Jerseys for Quarter-Finalists In a colorful ceremony at the Inspire Sports Arena, Cappa-Oshodi, the organizers of the 1xCup2025 unveiled a new set of branded jerseys for the eight teams advancing to the quarter-finals. Competition CEO, Waheed Akanni, a former Super Eagles star and ex-Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, and members of his team personally handed over the jerseys to team representatives. The designs, uniform in style but varied in color, were distributed through a transparent ballot system, allowing each team to pick their jersey color by lot. Representatives of the clubs expressed gratitude to the organizers for their fairness and pledged to repay the gesture with spirited performances on the field. With just three hurdles separating them from lifting the 2025 crown, the quarter-finalists promised fans a display of skill, determination, an...

 1xCup2025: Quarter-Finalists Unveiled with Fresh Jerseys By Dada Babajide Razak  The Inspire Sports Arena, Cappa, comes alive today, Monday, September 22, 2025, at 3pm, as the quarter-final stage of the 1xCup2025 takes on a new sparkle—not on the pitch, but through a grand jersey presentation ceremony. In a colorful twist, the organizers will unveil branded jerseys for all eight quarter-finalists, adding glamour and identity to the knockout phase. CEO of the competition, Waheed Akanni—ex-Super Eagles star and former Lagos State Football Federation chairman—described the branding as one of the many surprises lined up for this year’s edition. “We are a transparent organization, and teams will pick their jersey colors in a fair and open process,” he emphasized. Akanni also urged fans to mark their calendars and troop to the Arena for the upcoming knockout clashes, promising exciting surprises and gifts for supporters in attendance. He further extended gratitude to all the teams ...

  1xCup2025 Wild Card Drama: Defending Champion Sent Packing! By Dada Babajide Razak  The 1xCup2025 served up drama, tension, and unforgettable moments today at the Inspire Sports Arena, as defending champions FC Bethel Sporting crashed out in shocking fashion against Vinmo Energy FC. In the second game of the day, both sides fought fiercely but could not break the deadlock, finishing 0–0 at full time. The penalty shootout, however, turned the Arena into a cauldron of nerves. Fans gasped as Bethel Sporting, the reigning champions, faltered—scoring just one of their three spot-kicks. Vinmo Energy kept their cool, converting four flawless penalties to seal their place in the quarter-finals, leaving the champions stunned and eliminated. Earlier, in the opening clash, Dosu Joseph FC completed their revenge mission with a nail-biting penalty victory over Utility Sports FC. After a pulsating 1–1 draw in regulation time, Dosu Joseph triumphed 6–5 in the shootout, sending their jubila...

Africano FC Launched in Lagos with Brazil-Nigeria Football Partnership by Dada Babajide Razak  Nigerian football gained a fresh boost on Thursday as Africano Football Club was officially launched at the Brazil Consulate in Victoria Island, Lagos. The club, founded five months ago with its parent team in São Paulo, Brazil, is focused on nurturing players aged 15–17 and preparing them for exchange programmes with Brazilian clubs. Speaking at the unveiling, Brazil’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Manuel Dos Santos, praised the initiative as a reflection of the strong cultural and sporting bond between both nations, expressing hopes that the youngsters could rise to the level of stars like Neymar and Vinícius Júnior. Club President Ambassador Samuel Ikpea, also National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, described the launch as “a historic milestone” for grassroots football. The event drew prominent figures including Waidi Akanni, Charles Anazodo, George Aluo, and Prince Har...

  Rain, Goals and Drama as 1xCup2025 Group Stage Wraps Up at Inspire Sports Arena It was a dramatic close to the group stage of the 1xCup2025 yesterday at the Inspire Sports Arena, Cappa, where a light drizzle set the stage for a day packed with thrills and tension. In Group A’s concluding clash, Community Gunners FC turned on the style with a commanding 4–0 victory over Africano FC, stamping their superiority against the group’s whipping boys. The win pushed Community Gunners to 7 points, level with Natt Boys, but goal difference handed Natt Boys the edge with 10 goals to the Gunners’ 9. Collins Edewin FC followed closely on 6 points to remain in the hunt for a wild card, while 36 Lions (5 pts) and Africano (1 pt) bowed out. The second game of the day saw Emaljus FC and Young Strikers battle to a hard-fought 1–1 draw in Group B. Ikorodu FC remained on top with 8 points to claim the group’s quarter-final ticket. Behind them, G. Innovation FC and Emaljus FC (5 pts each) nudged past ...

Seamoriow U15 League Championship, Ikotun, Lagos, Ends in Fireworks as Home Team Runs Riot The 4th Edition of the Seamoriow Sports U15 League Championship 2025 came to a dramatic close on September 7th at the buzzing Seamoriow Sports Complex, Islamic Bus Stop, Ikotun Egbe It was a festival of football where passion met artistry, and the home team—Seamoriow Sports FA—etched their name in gold, stunning the defending champions with an emphatic 6–1 demolition in front of over 3,000 roaring fans. The champions-elect had hinted at their fiery form in the semi-finals, where they pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in the tournament’s history. Trailing 3–0 against Adhoc Football Academy, Seamoriow staged an electric fightback to level 3–3 before sealing victory 4–2 on penalties, sending the crowd into wild jubilation Earlier in the day, Adhoc Football Academy recovered from that heartbreak to clinch the third-place playoff with a solid 3–1 victory over debutants, 36 Lion Football Club Th...