Semi-finalists emerge, matches shifted to move MJA Arena, Onikan ...As organisers run riot act to protect tournament's integrity
By Akeem Busari The stakes are clearer, as the boys have been separated from the men. At this crucial stage of the biggest grassroots football championship in Nigeria, and with four top rated teams in the semi-finals, the pace can only get faster and the pitch, higher. The semi-finals would see three debutants and an old face, battling for the grand prize of N20million. Ikorodu City, ISGAT Athletics and Nath Boys FC, would attempt to overrun old horses in the championship, Dosu Joseph FA. The enticing semi-final clashes would have Ikorodu City take on Nath Boys in the first clash, while Dosu Joseph FA would battle for the final ticket against ISGAT Athletics, in a match that has got pundits and enthusiasts salivating. Meanwhile, in a press statement signed and released by the Chief Executive Officer of the 1X cup football championship, Engr. Waidi Akanni, the semi-finals of this year’s edition have been moved away from Inspire Sports Arena, Oshodi, that had hosted all the games so far, to the quarterfinals stage. According to the ex- Super Eagles player and former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, both semi-final matches, third place game and the grand finale will now take place at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. The statement also warned that any team found wanting and in disagreement with the new announcement, shall be replaced immediately, by the nearest team. "The sanctity and integrity of this football championship, the organisers and of course, the sponsors, remain sacrosanct. We'll continue to play by globally accepted rules of the beautiful game, even though we reserve the rights to uphold our unique rules and regulations that makes this championship, the best grassroots football championship in this part of the world," Akanni added.
September 26, 2025
Semi-finalists emerge, matches shifted to move MJA Arena, Onikan
...As organisers run riot act to protect tournament's integrity
By Akeem Busari
The stakes are clearer, as the boys have been separated from the men. At this crucial stage of the biggest grassroots football championship in Nigeria, and with four top rated teams in the semi-finals, the pace can only get faster and the pitch, higher.
The semi-finals would see three debutants and an old face, battling for the grand prize of N20million. Ikorodu City, ISGAT Athletics and Nath Boys FC, would attempt to overrun old horses in the championship, Dosu Joseph FA.
The enticing semi-final clashes would have Ikorodu City take on Nath Boys in the first clash, while Dosu Joseph FA would battle for the final ticket against ISGAT Athletics, in a match that has got pundits and enthusiasts salivating.
Meanwhile, in a press statement signed and released by the Chief Executive Officer of the 1X cup football championship, Engr. Waidi Akanni, the semi-finals of this year’s edition have been moved away from Inspire Sports Arena, Oshodi, that had hosted all the games so far, to the quarterfinals stage.
According to the ex- Super Eagles player and former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, both semi-final matches, third place game and the grand finale will now take place at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The statement also warned that any team found wanting and in disagreement with the new announcement, shall be replaced immediately, by the nearest team.
"The sanctity and integrity of this football championship, the organisers and of course, the sponsors, remain sacrosanct. We'll continue to play by globally accepted rules of the beautiful game, even though we reserve the rights to uphold our unique rules and regulations that makes this championship, the best grassroots football championship in this part of the world," Akanni added.