12 teams advance as 1xCup 2025 play-in round heats up

The second week of the 1xCup 2025 play-in round delivered a fresh dose of drama, skill, and resilience, as twelve teams booked their places in the next stage of Nigeria’s largest amateur football tournament.

From breathtaking goals to controversial moments and nerve-wracking penalty shootouts, the week served fans a full menu of grassroots football at its finest. Sponsored by 1xBet, the 1xCup continues to unearth raw footballing talent across the country while building anticipation ahead of the group stage.

The following clubs have now advanced in the play-in round:

They are High Klass FA, Vido 99 FC, Wasola FC, Prince Kazeem Eletu FC, Team 360 FC, Africano FC and Isgat Athletic FC.

Others are Brighton FC, Inspire Sport Academy, Frackson FC, Young Strikers FC and Ecas FC.

These teams now join an increasingly competitive field vying for a place in the group stage, where four teams—FC BETHEL Academy, Community Gunners FC, Emaljus FC, and Emiloju FC—await, having automatically qualified as top performers from the 2024 edition.

Inspire Sport Academy turned heads with one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, hammering Power Rangers FC 8-0 in a one-sided affair.

The academy’s fluid attacking style left their opponents struggling to keep up.

Wasola FC edged out Indomitables FC 3-2 in a dramatic contest that had fans on the edge of their seats.

A turning point came when the Indomitables’ goalkeeper failed to react to a shot, assuming the goal would be disallowed for offside. However, the referee ruled it legitimate, and the goal stood. Despite the setback, Indomitables FC fought bravely until the final whistle.

Meanwhile, penalty shootouts once again proved a cruel decider. Brighton FC and Frackson FC held their nerves to beat Joint FC and Franceex United FC respectively after regulation time ended in stalemates. Their victories echoed the fine margins that define the 1xCup, where last year’s quarter-finalists, Dominion Hotspur FC, also exited via penalties earlier in the competition.

With just a few slots remaining to complete the list of 16 teams for the group stage, competition in the play-in round is expected to become even more intense.

The 1xCup continues to attract fans across Nigeria and beyond, showcasing the passion and potential embedded in amateur football. Supporters are encouraged to follow live updates and highlights via the tournament's official website www.1xcup.ng.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel