The first group stage matches of Nigeria’s largest amateur football tournament have been played. You could have already made money if you believed in the underdogs, as you can bet on the 1xCup 2025 on the 1xBet platform.
Enough sensations for a hit parade
The 1xCup 2024 proved that past achievements mean nothing, and every competition starts with a clean slate. Now, even the best teams of last year’s tournament have faced this trend.
The biggest surprise was the defeat of reigning champions FC Bethel Sporting by Inspire Sport Academy with a 1-2 score. The sensational team had demonstrated its potential during the qualifying round and didn’t lose momentum in the group stage. FC Bethel Sporting will now find it difficult to take first place in Group D and secure a spot in the quarter-finals. There was also another match in this group, between Divine Praise FC and Vinmo Energy FC, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Emaljus FC had an unsuccessful start to the tournament, too. The third-best team of the 1xCup 2024 lost to Ikorodu City FA 0-1. Young Strikers FA took the lead in Group B, scoring three unanswered goals against G-Innovation FC. The 1xCup 2023 semi-finalists showed from the very first game their determination to regain their former glory and finish first in the group.
The draw against Dosu Joseph FA (1-1) didn’t appear to be a favourable result for Emiloju FC. However, last year’s semi-finalists still performed better than FC Bethel Sporting and Emaljus FC.
Other results
Between August 12 and 14, four more matches took place at the 1xCup 2025:
- Community Gunners FC vs 36 Lions FC: 1-0
- Collin Edwin FA vs Africano FA: 1-1
- Utility FC vs Soccer Cardinals: 0-1
- Community Gunners FC vs Collins Edwin FA: 1-1
Three details stand out. First, of the four best teams in the 1xCup 2024, only Community Gunners FC showed good results. Last year’s finalists gained 4 points in 2 games and topped Group A. Experienced Collin Edwin FA played 2 matches as well, finishing both games in a draw, while Nath Boys FA are yet to enter the competition.
Second, the Soccer Cardinals are leading Group C, but let’s not jump to conclusions after round 1.
Third, 8 out of 9 matches ended in either a draw or a one-goal win for one of the teams. This shows that the battles at the 1xCup 2025 are very competitive, and each game could have a surprise in store. The intrigue is building – it’s going to get even more exciting!
Remember that the winners of each group automatically get a spot in the quarter-finals, while the teams that finish 2nd and 3rd will have to play in the Wild Card round for a chance to be among the top 8 teams of the tournament.
You can find the schedule, results and the most complete information about the 1xCup 2025 participants at 1xcup.ng. Be sure to visit the official tournament website – this way, you’ll feel more confident when placing bets on the 1xCup on 1xBet!
