FC Bethel wins second edition of 1Xbet tournament

Posted : 27 September 2024

FC Bethel Sporting defeated Gunnerslink FC 2-1 in the final of the second edition of the 1Xbet Cup 2024, emerging as the champions of the tournament.

The seven-week-long tournament, organized by 1xBet Sports Betting Company with the theme "Your community, your cup," began on August 5 and concluded on September 26 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Stadium, Lagos.

Watch all NPFL matches here: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

Okechukwu Nnana of FC Bethel, who scored the winning goal, was announced as the highest goal scorer of the tournament, while Emiloju, the fourth-place team, won the Goal of the Tournament award.

Caleb Okereke of FC Bethel Sporting was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, a recognition he attributed to teamwork.

Ebuka Enoh of Emiloju FC was awarded Best Goalkeeper; FC Bethel also won the Best Team and Best Behaved Team of the tournament, while Coach Olagunju was named Best Coach.

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

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

Despite Emiloju’s dominance, Emaljus won the match 4-3 through a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, taking home N3 million, while the winners received N10 million.

With a N20 million cash prize at stake, 160 teams registered for the tournament, but only 20 advanced to the preliminaries.

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

"The players have what it takes to succeed globally; they played with heart until the last minute.

"It will keep getting better because we remain committed to showcasing the talents we have, so they can become superstars in the near future," he said.

Wahidi Akanni, Chairman of Match International and Tournament Director, praised the teams for delivering a final-worthy performance.

"Both teams fought until the last minute to score, which shows the quality of this tournament and its organization.

"It means these boys can be nurtured to play for Nigeria; the presence of Augustine Eguavoen must have motivated them," he said.

Eguavoen, interim coach of the Super Eagles, noted that the 1xBet Cup exemplified community football at its best.

"It was very entertaining; a blend of youth and experience. The older players brought experience, while the younger ones brought energy.

"The quality of talent in our country is undeniable, and I’ve seen some players who will go far. Kudos to Wahidi and the 1xBet team," he said.

Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro also praised the talent on display, describing it as world-class.

"Nigeria is truly blessed. What I’ve seen today has left me in awe. Kudos to all the teams that made it here today; they are winners regardless," Pedro said.

Bariga FC defeated Ighalo FC 2-0 to win the maiden edition of the tournament in 2023.

FC Bethel wins second edition of 1Xbet tournament

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics