Ikorodu City Football Academy has emerged as the winner of the 1XCUP 2025 Grassroots competition, defeating ISAGT Athletic in the final to claim a N10 million cash prize.
The highly contested match, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, ended 1-0 in favour of Ikorodu City Academy, securing their place in the prestigious grassroots football tournament.
The first half of the match ended in a stalemate, with neither team able to break the deadlock in a goalless 45 minutes, even as the Ikorodu team was unable to find the net despite many opportunities that came their way.
However, the boys from Ikorodu managed to find the bottom corner of the net, earning their name as the third team to lift the trophy.
Speaking at the end of the match, captain of the winning team, John Matthew, attributed their victory to dedication, hard work, and teamwork.
He said, “This is a very tough competition, a very tough one in that matter. We kept on pushing. We took one match at a time. It was just dedication, hard work, and teamwork that gave us the victory. Togetherness and teamwork pushed us until we got the result.”
When asked about the missed chances, Matthew responded, “This is football. Opportunities do come. It’s unfortunate we didn’t capitalise on the chances that were coming. We are hopeful. We can’t just give up. We kept on playing as much as we were creating chances.
The chances will still come. We just have to keep focused. Focus, and then at the end of the day, we got the lone goal that gave us the cup.”
During half-time, their coach advised, “Keep your heads focused. You are creating chances. Just stay focused, be in the game, keep working, and the goals will come.”
Matthew also praised their opponents, saying, “All credit to the other team (ISAGT Athletic). They are a fantastic side. They played very well, total football altogether. We came out with all we had, and we scored the goal. So, I’ll say it all comes down to teamwork. We kept our heads, stayed focused, and maintained a top mentality.
That’s what really kept us in the game and secured the victory.”
Regarding the tournament’s success, Consultant to the organisers and CEO of Match International Ltd, Waidi Akanni, stated, “Every day, we bring out these young talents through 1XCup. It’s been very successful. I’m pleased that today’s match proved that. Many thought ISAGT Athletic would win, but Ikorodu City Football Academy rose to the challenge. It’s been a fantastic tournament showcasing our young players’ talents.”
He added, “Throughout this championship, many players have already been scouted within just two or three weeks. Scouts from Italy, Germany, and other countries are here. Before Monday or Tuesday, you’ll likely hear about players moving to outside. It’s really been a great opportunity for these young talents.”
In the third-place match, Dosu Joseph FC staged a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Nath Boys 2-1, claiming a N3 million cash prize.
