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The organisers of the 1xCup 2026 have unveiled the Team of the Week for Matchweek 5, with standout performers from the latest round of matches such as Kiira FA striker, Emmanuel Ben and Collins Edwin SC winger, Olaitan Lamidi, earning recognition for their impressive displays.
The Matchweek 5 Team of the Week covers matches played between August 20 and 22, 2026, as the grassroots football competition continues to provide an exciting platform for young players to showcase their talents.
“The best performers of Matchweek 05 are here. After another week of intense battles, standout moments and top-level performances, we present the players who earned their place in the 1xCup Team of the Week,” the organisers wrote on their official social media platforms.
“Congratulations to all selected players and Coach Saheed Olawale Camara of Kiira FA for an outstanding week.”
The selected XI features players from different clubs who distinguished themselves during the matchweek, with Chinedu Emmanuel named in goal.
The defensive line comprises Samson Omolehin, Khalifa Subair, Chibuzor Augustine and Hafiz Odunayo, while Stephen Samuel, Lamidi and Habeeb Olanrewaju form the midfield.
Lamidi was instrumental to Collins Edwin’s qualification for the next round of the 1XCup 2026 after beating fellow representatives from the Lagos Island zone, FC Bethel Sporting 2-0 in a preliminary stage encounter at the Inspire Sports Ground, Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos.
Related: 1xCup 2026: My Hat-Trick Gives Me More Confidence, Says Kiraa’s Emmanuel Ben
After starting the game on an impressive note, Lamidi put his side 1-0 ahead in the eight minute, collecting the ball on the left wing and dribbling past a Bethel Sporting defender before the winger unleashed a terrific shot into the back of the net.
Collins Edwin increased the lead in the 27th minute courtesy of a penalty which was converted by captain Adebayo Ibrahim and Lamidi won the man-of-the-match award following a spectacular performance.
Up front, Ben, Agboluaje Fawaz and Joseph Panshok complete the star-studded XI.
Ben emerged as the man of the match following his hat-trick which helped Kiraa FA to devour Adhoc FA 3-0 in the 1xCup 2026 qualifying match last Friday.
With both teams representing the Ikorodu zone, Kiraa showed more hunger and enthusiasm to win the game and it was no surprise when they shot into a 17th minute lead courtesy of Ben whose goal was assisted by Emmanuel Tomiwa.
In the 35th minute, Ben got his brace to increase his side’s lead to two but he was not done as he got his hat-trick in the 61st minute, with his third goal set up by Abang Isaiah, wrapping up a wonderful day for Kiraa as they zoomed into the group stage of the competition.
The selection highlights the depth of talent on display across the competition, with players from several participating clubs earning individual recognition despite the highly competitive nature of the qualifiers.
Also honoured was Saheed Olawale Camara of Kiira FA, who was named Coach of the Week for Matchweek 5.
The recognition comes as the 1xCup continues to build momentum in its 2026 edition. The competition, which features grassroots clubs, has already produced a number of eye-catching performances and emerging talents.
With the qualifying campaign gathering pace, the Matchweek 5 Team of the Week provides another opportunity to celebrate the individual performances that have contributed to the growing excitement surrounding the tournament.
The organisers of the 1xCup are expected to continue recognising outstanding players and coaches as the battle for progression to the next stage intensifies.
