“Jagaban Cup Heats Up: 36 Lion FC and SGFC Athletics Battle Their Way into the Final!”
The stage is set for an unforgettable finale at the Jagaban Cup as 36 Lion FC and SGFC Athletics secure their places in the much-anticipated final. Wednesday’s matches at the iconic Legacy Pitch in Surulere delivered drama, passion, and unforgettable moments, with the tournament’s final group stage games bringing the heat right to the finish line.
In the opening match, Ijebu United edged out Dino SC in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. The game had it all—early drama, brilliant individual moments, and a dramatic finish. Dino SC took the lead when Agbede Hassan pounced on a misplayed back pass from Howas Fidel, capitalising on a rare mistake to put his team ahead. But Ijebu United responded fiercely, equalising with a well-taken penalty by Onyemaechi Uchechukwu. The lead didn’t last long, though, as Hassan fired in a stunning long-range shot to put Dino SC back in front. It seemed like a turning point, but Ekeh Emenike brought the game back to level terms for Ijebu United. Finally, Onyemaechi Uchechukwu sealed the victory with a deflected shot in the dying minutes, sending his team into the next phase.
The second match saw SGFC Athletics secure a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Imperial FC. Both teams fought hard, but it was Joseph Emmanuel who made the breakthrough in the 55th minute with a powerful long-range shot that found its mark, sending SGFC Athletics into the final. Their resilience and determination were on full display, and they now stand just one match away from the ultimate glory.
In a nail-biting clash, 36 Lion FC managed to draw 1-1 with Bethel FC, securing their place in the final despite a tough battle. Bethel FC had the lead going into halftime when Caleb Okereke took advantage of a rebound from Drame’s save, following a long-range shot from Eric Boma. But, true to form, 36 Lion FC came roaring back—this time with Lawal Oluwaseun delivering a jaw-dropping backheel goal in the 70th minute to earn a hard-fought draw and secure their spot in the final.
The last match of the day saw Ikorodu City defeat Broad City 3-1 in an action-packed affair. Dagogo Ibifubara opened the scoring with a precise finish after a well-placed pass from Okeh Emmanuel, and the captain made it 2-0 with a beautiful free kick in the 17th minute. Sanusi Hanif, who had been a constant menace to the opposition, found the net for Broad City to reduce the deficit, but Ikorodu City wasn’t done. Musa Malik put the final nail in the coffin with a composed strike inside the box, wrapping up a dominant performance and securing the victory.
Day 3 Results:
- Dino SC 2-3 Ijebu United
- SGFC Athletics 1-0 Imperial FC
- 36 Lion FC 1-1 Bethel FC
- Ikorodu City 3-1 Broad City
As the tournament reaches its climax, the anticipation is at fever pitch. With 36 Lion FC and SGFC Athletics set to face off in the final, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling showdown. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the Jagaban Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the drama of this competition is far from over!
