Coach Richard Okwachi expresses his feelings towards 1xCup; the largest grassroots football competition in Nigeria during the 3rd season full draw that was held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos early August with 16teams qualifying from the preliminary to join the second Edition 4-semifinalist.
Ikorodu City were able to qualify during the elimination series with a 3-1 victory over Lapero International FC in the round of 64 and was able to overcame Melody FC 4-2 via penalty shootout after a thrilling 1-1 full time draw.
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The Oga boys, as they are popularly called, were seeded in Pot 2 alongside 36 Lions, Inspire Sports Academy, and Dosu Joseph Football Academy.
Ikorodu City will be competing in the 1xCup for the first time in Group B, which was paired alongside Emaljus FA, Ecas FC, G-Innovation and Young Striker Football Academy.
Richard spoke to Sports247Naija during an interview at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja Lagos. He said;
“I feel good, and we at Ikorodu City feel very happy and ready to make a statement. The group stage is not a problem at all. We would take it step by step as the aim is to get to the top finish and focus on the next stage. So, we are ready for the task”
“So far, everybody wants to watch Ikorodu City play at the moment, because they know we do well in the NPFL, also in the NLO, we play unbeaten and currently in the Youth League we are still unbeaten. Every team wants to play the Oga Boys, and we are ready to give them what we have. ”
He also pointed out that the coaching crew has realised some errors in the preliminary round after conceeding a late goal against Melody FC that forced the game to be decided through penalty and necessary steps has been taken ahead of the opening match.
Coach Richard Okwachi previously worked as Chief Scout at Ikorodu City Academy and FC, focusing on player development and team culture, Coach Okwashi has a decade of experience under his belt.
The “Oga Boys” will kickoff the group stage against Emaljus FA on the 12th August 2025, the second match on Matchday-2 by 1:30pm as they look forward to picking a ticket through to the last eight.
