Eguavoen, Aisha Falode, others hit MJ Arena as FC Bethel wins 1XCUP 2024

FC BETHEL SPORTING wins 1xCup 2024.

Published By: Michael Adesina

FC Bethel Sporting, a formidable force in grassroots football, has emerged victorious as the triumphant champion of the esteemed 1XCUP 2024 Grassroot Competition, after a captivating and intensely contested final showdown against Gunners Link.

The electrifying match, held at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena (MJ Arena) in Onikan, Lagos, culminated in a thrilling 2-1 victory in favor of FC Bethel Sporting, thereby solidifying their position as the second-ever winner of this illustrious tournament.

The initial forty-five minutes of play unfolded as a stalemate, with neither team able to breach the opposing defense, resulting in a goalless first half. However, the second half witnessed a resurgent FC Bethel Sporting dominate proceedings, securing two pivotal goals, including a sublime strike from the tournament’s top scorer, the prolific Nwanna Okechukwu.

In a dramatic turn of events, Gunners Link momentarily believed they had grasped an equalizer in the waning moments of the match, only to have their jubilation swiftly curtailed as the linesman’s raised flag signaled an offside infraction, leaving Gunners Link players and supporters in a state of stunned dismay.

In a post-match interview, FC Bethel Sporting’s astute coach, Nathaniel Olagunju, attributed his team’s triumph to unwavering dedication and perseverance. “Our unrelenting hard work has ultimately yielded the desired outcome. We were favored by bookmakers to emerge as champions, and our unwavering commitment has paid off. At halftime, I exhorted my team to focus on securing a single goal to restore our confidence and reaffirm our philosophical approach. Instead, we achieved the remarkable feat of scoring two goals. In the unpredictable realm of grassroots football, scoring twice offers no guarantees of victory, hence we maintained our vigilance.”

Regarding his opponent, Olagunju observed, “Gunners Link is an accomplished side, with whom we have previously clashed in various tournaments, fostering a deep mutual understanding. Although they bested us 2-1 in the group stage, we remained confident in our ultimate ascendancy. We capitalized on opportunities, and our conviction was vindicated.”

Gunners Link FC’s coach, Adefila Careca, reflected on the final with pride, stating, “I am deeply proud of my players’ valiant efforts. The unpredictable nature of football dictates that victories and defeats are inevitable. Unfortunately, we succumbed to FC Bethel Sporting’s superiority on this occasion. We accorded them the respect deserving of a formidable opponent and pushed them to their limits.”

When queried about the team’s adherence to his instructions, Careca philosophically remarked, “The team executed my directives to the letter; such is the inherent unpredictability of football. Our defeat does not imply a deviation from the planned strategy; rather, it underscores the capricious nature of the sport, where fortune sometimes favors the opposition.”

• 1xCup 2024 participants learned their opponents in the group stage
• 1XCUP 2024: 20 teams to battle for N20m as competition kicks off August 5
• 1xCup: Introducing the participants and tournament schedule!

FC Bethel Sporting’s prolific striker, Nwanna Okechukwu, expressed unbridled joy, saying, “I am overwhelmed with euphoria, having emerged as both the winner and top scorer with an impressive tally of twelve goals. This accomplishment represents the culmination of our collective endeavors since the competition’s inception. From the outset, we were touted as favorites, and our unwavering resolve has yielded the coveted trophy and substantial cash prize.”

In the preceding third-place match, Emaljus secured a hard-fought victory against Emiloju, as the tightly contested encounter ended in a goalless stalemate. The impasse was ultimately broken through a suspenseful penalty shootout, wherein Emaljus triumphed 5-4, earning a substantial cash prize of N3 million.

Meanwhile, the champion, FC Bethel Sporting, received a whopping N10 million cash prize, while runners-up Gunners Link garnered a consolation prize of N5 million. Additional awards and prize money were distributed as follows:

Team of the tournament – N300,000
Most Valuable Player – N300,000
Highest Goal Scorer – N300,000
Best Goalkeeper – N250,000
Best Tournament Coach – N300,000
Best Team Goal – N300,000
Highlight of the Tournament – N250,000

In his post-match address, 1XCUP’s technical director, Waidi Akanni, extended heartfelt gratitude to 1XBET for their unwavering support of grassroots football. Akanni emphasized that 1XBET, through IXCUP, has rekindled hope in numerous young Nigerian football enthusiasts and facilitated the discovery of emerging talent, ultimately cultivating the next generation of football superstars.

Super Eagles Coach Austin Eguavoen similarly lavished praise on the tournament’s sponsor, urging fellow stakeholders to emulate 1XBET’s exemplary commitment. “Kudos to 1XBET for their remarkable support of grassroots football – a truly commendable endeavor. We eagerly anticipate more brands following in their footsteps.”

Other dignitaries at the event include the former Deputy-Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, NFF Executive board member Aisha Falode, Bi Benard, Suo, Mike Edwards, Ebonyi born comedian Mazi okeke, and BBNaija star Frodd.