By Olanrewaju Akojede
Ikorodu City Football Academy on Thursday emerged champions of the 1xBet Competition, Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football tournament, after defeating Inspire Sports Academy Greater Tomorrow Feeders Team (ISAGT) 1-0.
The keenly contested final took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, before an energetic crowd of fans and scouts.
Ikorodu City FA dominated the encounter from start to finish, creating several chances but converting only one to secure the victory.
The decisive goal came midway through the second half, when Emmanuel Orji capitalised on sustained pressure to breach ISAGT’s resilient defence.
In spite of several late attempts, ISAGT could not find an equaliser as Ikorodu City FA held firm to claim the narrow win.
With the triumph, Ikorodu City FA received the grand prize of ₦10 million, while ISAGT finished as runners-up with ₦5 million.
Dosu Joseph FC secured third place, earning ₦3 million for their efforts in the competition.
Uche Emeribe won the Highest Goal Scorer award, receiving ₦300,000, while ISAGT claimed the Best Team title with the same amount.
Ikorodu City FA’s Abdullahi Sulaiman was named Best Goalkeeper, taking home ₦200,000, while Dosu Joseph FC earned ₦250,000 for the Tournament Highlight award.
Wellington Egor was honoured as Best Coach of the Tournament for guiding Ikorodu City FA to victory, receiving ₦300,000.
The Team of the Tournament award went to Ikorodu City FA, while Adewale Quadri of Nath Boys was named Most Valuable Player, both earning ₦300,000 each.
The organiser of the 1xBet Competition, Waidi Akanni, described the event as a vital platform for discovering and promoting young football talents across Nigeria.
He commended both finalists for their impressive display of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
The annual 1xBet grassroots competition continues to attract leading academies and scouts eager to uncover Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.
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