We recount 4 matches that completed the group stage of the biggest Nigerian amateur football tournament.
The champion lost, but with no repercussions
SB LFC, the winner of 1xBet Cup 2023, secured the 1st place in Group B ahead of schedule. The opponent’s lack of tournament motivation gave Dosu Joseph FC extra opportunities, which they seized to secure a 2-1 win. SB LFC can take lessons from this defeat as it became clear that the famous Ramba-Samba style does not ensure victory in any game. Dosu Joseph FC will gain confidence before the wild card stage match as a result of the honorable victory over the champion. Collins Edwin SC, who retained 3rd place in the group due to a draw in the deciding game against Ilupeju Ekiti Pillars FC, will be its opponents and continue to fight for 1xBet Cup prize money in Nigeria.
The team from Ekiti district can be sympathized with. Ilupeju Ekiti Pillars FC finished below Collins Edwin SC, not on goal difference, but due to fewer goals scored—5-4 vs 6-5. Ekiti’s players departed with the best record among the teams that dropped out after the 1xBet Cup 2024 group stage.
Group D winner Dominion Hotspur FC delivered the best performance at this stage, securing 10 points.
Battles for direct quarterfinals tickets
In both groups, the competition was rounded off with games for 1st place. Bethel Sporting FC was happy with a draw, but the team fell short to its rivals Gunners Link FC, with a 1-2 score and lost the lead in Group A.
Emaljus FC demonstrated an example of pragmatic football. This team was content with a draw in its match against Ighalo FA. Emaljus FC, following the best traditions of catenaccio, held the score at 0-0 and emerged as the Group C winner.
1xBet Cup Nigeria wild card stage schedule
1xBet Cup group winners have a privilege. Dominion Hotspur FC, SB LFC, Gunners Link FC, and Emaljus FC have secured their tickets to the quarterfinals and get extra time to rest. On September 9 and 10, they can peacefully watch the wild card stage matches, where their future opponents will be decided. A total of 4 games will be played among:
- Bethel Sporting FC vs Wasola FC
- Dosu Joseph FC vs Collins Edwin SC
- Ighalo FA vs Emiloju FC
- 36 Lion FC vs Diadem Stallion FC
The quarterfinals are scheduled for September 16 to 17, while the semifinals will be held on September 20. The hopes of the 12 remaining tournament teams rest on September 26, the day of the 1xBet Cup 2024 final.
Related: The 1xCup First Week: Ramba-Samba Style Wins Again!
Pursuing big money
After the first tournament’s success, 1xBet recognized its social mission’s importance and continued to invest in grassroots football in Nigeria. The prize money has quadrupled to 20,000,000 NGN. The best teams will claim the lion’s share of the 1xBet Cup prize money in Nigeria:
- 10,000,000 NGN for the winner
- 5,000,000 NGN for the finalist
- 3,000,000 NGN for the third prize winner
1xBet believes that the policy of supporting grassroots football in Nigeria should encourage not only team but also individual achievements. This is why the best bookmaker in Africa has provided cash awards:
- 300,000 NGN for the most valuable player
- 300,000 NGN for the top scorer
- 300,000 NGN for the best coach
- 250,000 NGN for the best goalkeeper
The participating teams’ coaches think about both attack and defense. Goalkeepers are making numerous saves, leading to an average of 2.35 goals per game—stats on par with major national team tournaments. Still, the attacking players are doing their best and have scored 94 goals in 40 games. The top scorers are Okechukwu Nwanna (Bethel Sporting FC), Seun Lawal (36 Lion FC), Wasiu Yaya (Emaljus FC), and Ayatu Akindele (Dosu Joseph FC), with each netting 4 goals. These 4 have already surpassed the top Euro 2024 players!
Don’t miss the chance to contribute to Nigerian grassroots football development by supporting your team and favorite players at the stadium in heated playoff matches. Also, don’t forget to visit the tournament website for details on results, game schedules, and the latest news from the participating teams.
