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It was goals galore on Matchday 15 of the IxCup 2026 with a total of 14 goals scored after Ajuwa FA, ECAS FA, Elite Stars FC and Daja Unite emerged as the winners of four keenly contested matches at the Inspire Sports Ground on Saturday, August 22.
Ajuwa FA edged Vinmo Energy FC 6-5 on penalties after both sides battled to a 2-2 draw in regulation time, securing their place in the next round of the competition.
The game had barely started when enterprising forward, Oladapo Albert put Vinmo Energy FC ahead as early as the first minute.
Midfielder Stephen Okpechi increased Vinmo Energy’s lead a few minutes later after hitting the back of the net in the fifth minute of action.
Ajuwa FA, however, failed to give up as they gave themselves hope by reducing the deficit courtesy of an 11th minute goal by midfielder Eweka Sylvester.
They got a huge boost in the 55th minute after Vinmo midfielder Sunday Nanayo was sent off and only three minutes later, Ajuwa equalised through Abubakar Abduliahi.
The encounter produced an exciting contest, with neither side able to establish lasting dominance before the match was eventually decided from the penalty spot.
Ajuwa FA, however, kept their composure during the shootout to claim a narrow victory, triumphing 6-5 on penalties to reach the group stage of the competition.
In another enthralling encounter, ECAS FA after initially taking the lead had to come from behind to defeat Greenlock FC 3-2 in a five-goal contest.
Midfielder Sunday Onah Godwin opened the scoring for ECAS in the 12th minute but their lead lasted for only three minutes as Greenlock equalised in the 15th minute through midfielder Joseph Panshak whose goal was set up by defender Adeoye Philip.
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Greenlock took the lead for the first time in the 24th minute courtesy of a goal from defender Farooq Yusuf and the first half ended 2-1 in their favour.
ECAS improved in the second half of the game as they scored two goals through forward Ukpe chukwudi in the 33rd minute and defender Habeeb Olokotintin in the 48th minute to take a 3-2 lead.
Both teams displayed attacking intent throughout the match, but ECAS held on to their advantage to secure a hard-fought victory and progress in the competition.
In the third game of the day, Elite Stars FC survived another penalty shootout after playing out a goalless draw against Somolu Bariga LFC.
The two sides could not break the deadlock during regulation time, forcing the tie into penalties but Elite Stars eventually prevailed 7-6 to book their place in the next stage after a tense shootout.
The day’s final fixture also produced an entertaining contest as Daja Unite defeated OOA FA 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.
Forward John David Kelechi opened the scoring as early as the ninth minute and Daja retained their 1-0 lead throughout the first half.
The second half of the game witnessed four goals as Chima David assisted Paul Olukanni to equalise for OOA in the 39th minute but it didn’t last long with Olanrewaju Faruk putting Daja 2-1 ahead in the 40th minute.
OOA got back on level terms in the 43rd minute, with their second equaliser coming from substitute Adetunji Fatai but Daja went all out in attack and got their winning goal in the 63rd minute through substitute Nwaobodo Chimerie.
Daja held their nerve in a closely fought five-goal encounter to secure the victory, ending OOA’s campaign and joining the other three winners in the next round.
The four matches highlighted the competitive nature of this year’s 1X Cup, with two ties requiring penalty shootouts and the other two decided by narrow margins.
With Ajuwa FA of Badagry, ECAS FA of Badagry, Elite Stars FC of Ikeja and Daja Unite of Epe now through to the group stage, attention will turn to the next round as the teams continue their quest for 1xCup 2026 glory.
