By Jacob Ajom

The 2024 1XBET Cup has come and gone but its impact has continued to be felt across the country.
FC Bethel Sporting FC, champions of the second edition of the biggest grassroots football tournament in the country have not been the same again since they surprised all comers to win the competition.

They defeated Gunnerslink FC 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos in the pulsating final match watched by an impressive crowd which included former Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Femi Pedro, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen, former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie and many others.

Apart from carting home a giant trophy and the N10 million star prize, the academy also swept most of the individual awards with their attendant prizes. These included the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, the highest goal scorer, the best goalkeeper, Coach of the tournament and the most behaved team in the tournament. In addition, since winning the tournament, the Football Academy has enjoyed an unprecedented level of media attention. “Suddenly, we have become celebrities,” captain of the team Solomon Friday told our reporter.

Sports Vanguard had the opportunity to mingle with players and coaches of the triumphant Bethel Sporting FC at the National Stadium, Lagos where they bared their minds on what winning the 1XBET Cup has done for them.

Assistant Coach Mera Oputah was all smiles when we met. “The 1XBET Cup was a wonderful experience,” he started. He said it was a special previlege and an opportunity for him and the team to be part of the tournament where they showcased the talents at their disposal. “The sponsors and organisers really did a wonderful work. The introduction of the tournament has exposed a lot of hidden talents from the grassroots. This kind of thing has never happened before.”

He added that “through this tournament, due to the live streaming of the matches, these players are exposed to the global audiences. Indeed, it was a wonderful experience.”

Coach of Bethel Sporting, Nathaniel Olagunju agreed with his assistant on the quality of organisation and standard of the tournament. “Since we started academy football, I have not seen this type of tournament in Lagos and the entire Nigeria. The orgnisation has been top notch. I have been to international competitions like the Gothe Cup in South Africa in 2011, I have also attended championships in Ivory Coast twice but what I saw during the 1XBET Cup was far better than what I saw in those international tournaments”

Despite losing in the final, Gunners Link FC coach, Adefila Careca, said the experience would remain indellible in his memory and above all, he remains proud of this team. “I am proud of my boys. In football, you win some and lose some. Unfortunately, we lost the final. We respected them as a team and gave them a run for their money.” the coach stated.

Captain of victorious Bethel FC, Solomon Friday also had fine words for the tournament. “The tournament was so good as it exposed young and budding football stars.” The soft spoken Solomon added rhat from the moment they qualified for the knockout stages, he was sure they were good for the trophy.
“We started brightly and after the playoffs, we grew in confidence and had the belief that we were going to win the tournament,” he recalled.

His team mate, Caleb Okereke who was declared the MVP of the tournament had this to say, “We prepared very well before the tournament started so we had a very good time playing in the tournament. From the commencement to the final I enjpued my game throughout as I kept improving with every game. I was MVP three times from about ten matches we played. At the end of the tounament I was proclaimed the Most Valuable Player, an honour and award I cherish so much.”

Counting the gains of the 1XBET Cup, Okereke said he was sure because of his performance in the tournament, he had been spotted by scouts and national team selectors. “The future looks so bright now as I look forward to playing for the Super Eagles, by the grace of God. I also have set my sights on Europe because I don’t want to play in the Nigerian League. I don’t like the organisation of our league in Nigeria.,”he said.

The seven-week tournament, themed “Your community, your cup,” which began on 5 August climaxed in grandstyle on Thursday 26 September.
Femi Babalola, managing director of 1XBet Nigeria, reiterated the company’s dedication to developing football at the grassroots level.
“These players have what it takes to succeed globally. We’re committed to showcasing their talents and nurturing future superstars,” Mr Babalola said.
Coach Eguavoen also praised the tournament, calling it “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.”