-by Abdullahi A. Afolabi
https://www.instagram.com/awesome.fola
Every tournament tells its own story, one of dreams, determination, heartbreak, and moments of triumph. For Dosu Joseph FC, a Lagos-based team owned by Ex-Nigeria International and Olympic Gold Medalist âDosu Joseph MONâ – the 1xCup 2025 will be remembered as a journey that tested our resolve, showcased our potential, and ended with a medal that means more than just metal â it symbolizes progress, pride, and purpose.
In 2024, Dosu Joseph FC participated in the 2nd Edition of the 1xCup Competition – a tournament built with a strong connection with the community. We had quite a good run but crashed out through penalties against Collins Edwin FC in the Round of 16.
In 2025, the 3rd edition of the 1xCup Competition, involving 64 Teams – the team came on with a strong determination to make a statement. Started the preliminaries in excellent form.
2 Matches | 2 Wins | 5 Goals Scored | 0 Conceded
We took those positives into the Group Stage.
Grouped alongside Emiloju FC | Utility FC | Soccer Cardinals FA | ISAGT Athletics
âŚ.all forms of weather was experienced, the calm moments, thunderstorm periods and rain brought different learnings and experiences to the team.
GROUP STAGE RESULTS
The first fixture against Emiloju FC ended in a 1 – 1 draw with a goal from Attah Ibrahim and a spectacular performance from our winger Akinyele Ayatu, earning his first MVP AWARD in the tournament.
2 – 1 Loss to ISAGT ATHLETICS
3 – 0 Loss to Utility Sports FC
These were tough and horrible defeats; the atmosphere was tense – expectations were high; Ogunyemi Paul the teamâs first choice goalkeeper was not in goal at these defeats, (lost his Mom in the heat of the tournament, quite a tough moment for the goal stopper and the team – Our thoughts and prayers are with him as we commiserate with his family on the irreplaceable loss)
The defeats also led to the suspension of some key technical staff of the team; the Headcoach Kayode Agboola was excused from the sidelines.
Assistant Coach Emmanuel Sholanke stepped in to lead the team to its final group stage game against Soccer Cardinals FC; some tactical decisions were introduced; Our goalie, Ogunyemi Paul was welcomed back into the squad and he secured a clean sheet, we WON! 3-0!
Goals from Ibrahim Mohammed; Attah Ibrahim and Okere Ebube reignited our hopes in the competition.
The result led us to the wildcard stage, where we had to slug it out with Utility Sports FC; the only hope to advance to the Quarterfinals.
All suspended technical officers were reinstated; a chance to redeem themselves with viable results. We won the wildcard stage on penalties after a 1 – 1 draw at regular time against Utility Sports FC.
The QUARTERFINALS!
We were drawn against Inspire Sport Academy; a team hyped to be the tournamentâs favorites; the boys stayed focused – they were sure of what the goal is – âto WINâ
It was a very tough battle playing Inspire Sport Academy on its home ground; we edged past them with a lone goal from our super substitute – Adeniyi Samuel âa fantastic finish, by a proper strikerâ
Fans went agog; the arena went gaga – the wounded lion rose again when it mattered the most – we made it to the SEMIFINALS!
The SEMIFINALS!
The semifinal game was moved to a bigger stadium; the âMobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikanâ away from the âInspire Sport Arena, Oshodiâ
On Game Day – the boys journeyed to Onikan to face ISAGT ATHLETICS; a familiar foe from the Group Stage – we lost in our first meetup.
Feels strange but true, ISAGT ATHLETICS is the junior team to Inspire Sport Academy, the team we eliminated at the Quarterfinals.
We lost to ISAGT ATHLETICS 2 – 0 dashing our hopes to be in the finals.
Winners do not quit and quitters never win; we stayed put and focused on the next game.
The THIRD-PLACE!
We played against Nath Boys in the third place fixture. The game was a thrill; so electrifying as both sides gave a tough fight. Nath Boys won the first 45 minutes 0-1; DJFC gave a jaw-dropping comeback and won the game, 2 – 1 with goals from Olurinde Salami & Akindele Ayatu scoring directly from the corner kick.
- Third place Winner, 1xCup 2025
- Winner, Highlight of the Tournament
From the very first whistle of the competition, the boys in black and yellow came alive with one mission: to compete, to represent, and to make a statement.
The road wasnât an easy one. There were tough battles, horrible defeats, and lessons in patience and persistence. But through every challenge, the team stood tall. The unity in the camp, the fire in the playersâ eyes, and the guidance from the technical crew came together.
When the semifinal didnât go our way, it hurts – no doubt. But true champions rise from setbacks.
-Abdullahi Afolabi (Media Officer, DJFC)
Click on the icons below to follow âDosu Joseph Football Clubâ on Facebook; Twitter and Instagram.
Rex Media Nigeria 