FC Bethel Sporting defeated Gunnerslink FC 2-1 at the final of the second edition of the 1Xbet Cup 2024 to emerge winners of the championship.

The seven-week long tournament organised by 1xBet Sports betting Company, with the theme, “Your community your cup,” began on Aug. 5 and ended on Sept. 26 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Stadium, Lagos.

Okechukwu Nnana of FC Bethel, who scored the deciding goal, was announced the highest goal scorer of the tournament, while fourth placed winner, Emiloju, won the goal of the tournament award.

Caleb Okereke of FC Bethel Sporting bagged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award, which he attributed to team work.

Ebuka Enoh of Emiloju FC emerged the best goalkeeper; FC Bethel won the best team and well behaved team of the tournament, and coach Olagunju emerged the best coach.

Nathaniel Olagunju, the Coach of FC Bethel Sporting, described winning the second edition of 1xBet tournament as a great feat.

Yemi Ikuforiju, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, declared open the closing ceremony of the tournament, which began with the third place match between Emaljus FC and Emiloju FC.

In spite of Emiloju’s dominance, Emaljus won the match 4-3 through penalty shootout after a goalless draw and went home with N3 million, while the winners got N10 million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with N20 million cash prize up for grabs, 160 teams registered for the tournament but only 20 made it to the preliminaries.

Femi Babalola, Managing Director of 1xBet Nigeria, reiterated the betting brand’s commitment to the development of football at the grassroots.

“The players definitely have what it takes to take the world, they played their hearts out till the last minute.

“It will keep getting better because we remain committed to showcasing the talents that we have so they can become super stars in the near future,” he said.

Wahidi Akanni, the Chairman of Match International and Tournament Director, told NAN that the boys gave a performance worthy of a final.

“Till the last minute the teams were still fighting to score a goal, it shows the quality of this tournament and its organisation.

“It means that these boys can actually be nurtured to play for Nigeria; the presence of Augustine Eguavoen must have encouraged them,” he said.

Eguavoen, interim coach of the Super Eagles, told NAN that the 1xBet Cup was a definition of community football at its best.

“It was really entertaining; it was a blend of young and old. The older ones brought experience while the younger boys brought energy.

“The quality of talents we have in our country is not in doubt, I have seen some talented players that will go far. Kudos to Wahidi and the 1xBet team,” he said.

Also speaking at the final was the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, who described the talents on display as world class.

“Nigeria is truly blessed, what I have seen here today has held me spellbound. Kudos to all the teams that made it here today, they are winners regardless,” Pedro said.

NAN reports that Bariga FC defeated Ighalo FC 2-0 to win the maiden edition of the tournament in 2023. (NAN)