The 1xCup 2026 qualifiers are gaining momentum. Over the first six matchdays, 48 teams played 24 matches and scored 78 goals. The opening matches have already highlighted several standout teams and players, although it is still too early to identify the tournament’s clear favorites.
Lopsided wins and battles down to last kick
From the opening matches, the qualifiers have delivered plenty of goals, with teams averaging more than three per game. Dosu Joseph FC set the pace on July 23 by routing Ikosi FC 5–1. OOA FA produced an even more convincing performance, defeating Ikoyi Dolphin FC 6–2.
Ighalo FA also made a strong impression on the fans with a 5–0 win over Panthers FA. The team stood out not only for its scoring but also for its cohesive play: the players were organized, understood one another well, and gave their opponents almost no opportunities.
However, most matches were much more hard-fought. In a format consisting of two 30-minute halves, the cost of every mistake is particularly high, so a single moment can often decide the outcome. Six of the 24 matches went to penalty shootouts, while another five were decided by a single goal. Somolu Bariga FC staged a remarkable comeback. The team was trailing Cityfut Escola 1–0 and was down a player, but managed to equalize before claiming victory in the penalty shootout.
