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36 Lion FC have sneaked into the group stage of the 1xCup 2026 after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against G12 FC in a qualifying game at the Inspire Sports Ground, Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos on Friday.
In a game of few scoring opportunities, an eight minute goal from Samuel Stephen assisted by Ridwan Aremu was all that 36 Lion needed to secure the win against their fellow representative from the Lagos Island zone.
G12, however, huffed and puffed to at least score an equalizing goal so as to take the game to penalty shootout but 36 Lion defended resolutely to book their place in the next round of the competition.
G12 head coach, Olufemi Thomas, and his wards will now be looking forward to making a return to the 1xCup next year, with the hope of winning the trophy.
Related: 1xCup 2026: Gabriel Ajao The Hero As AMA Smile FC ‘Smile’ Into Group Stage
1XCup was founded in 2023 with a simple mission: create a professional-grade competitive platform for grassroots football in Lagos. We
The organizers saw talented players across the city with no structured pathway to showcase their abilities and potentially earn professional contracts.
What started as a local tournament has grown into Lagos’ most prestigious grassroots football competition, featuring 100 clubs across 5 divisions, comprehensive media coverage, betting integration, and a scouting network that has already helped 12 players sign professional contracts.
The tournament is NFF-compliant, professionally organized, and designed to give every participating player maximum visibility to scouts and agents across Nigeria and beyond.
