2025 Lagos FA Cup, Legacy Pitch & Maracana Stadium Host First Round Matches

2025 Lagos FA Cup: New Maracana Stadium, Legacy Pitch Set for First Round Action as 28 Teams Battle for Qualification.

 

The much-anticipated 2025 Lagos FA Cup is set to kick off on January 22, 2025, with matches scheduled at two iconic venues: the Legacy Pitch in Surulere and the New Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, Lagos. The competition will begin with 28 rookie teams vying for a spot in the next round.

The Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Dotun Coker, shared the update following the draw held at the LSFA Secretariat on January 15, 2025. Coker assured fans and stakeholders of seamless organization and promised expansion to additional venues as the tournament progresses.

 

First Preliminary Round Fixtures

The 28 participating teams will engage in one-off matches, with the winners advancing to face more experienced sides in the subsequent round. Below are the fixtures for the first preliminary round:

  • Kakawa FC vs. Royalty FC
  • Diadem Stallion FC vs. Arubinjaga FC
  • Dijon FA vs. Burna Boys FA
  • Prince Kazeem Eletu FC vs. Innovator FC
  • Hephzibah FC vs. Fackson Tofida FC
  • Vido FC vs. Ibeju Lekki United FC
  • Seamoriow FC vs. Swift FC
  • Ona-Ara FC vs. Ikorodu City FA
  • FC Middlewell vs. Seamoriow FA
  • China Sun Stars FC vs. Gemstone
  • Oba’s FA vs. Okaka Academy
  • Great Height vs. Unification FC
  • L City vs. Orin FC
  • Millennium Family FC vs. Osykay FC

The victors of these matches will move into the next round, which serves as the gateway to the round of 32. At this stage, defending champions Ikorodu City FC and other prominent teams will join the competition, intensifying the battle for the coveted trophy.

 

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84 Teams Registered for the 2025 Lagos FA Cup

This year’s edition has attracted a total of 84 teams, comprising 80 male teams and four female teams. The female category is set to add more excitement and inclusivity to the tournament.

Vice Chairman Dotun Coker, representing LSFA Chairman Liameed Gafar, assured the participating teams of improved organization, logistics, and officiating. Coker also emphasized strict adherence to competition rules, warning against any actions that could tarnish the tournament’s reputation.

 

2024 Defending Champions and Upcoming Final

Ikorodu City FC, the reigning champions, will aim to defend their title after a stellar performance in the 2024 edition. Last year, they triumphed over Inter Lagos in the final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos. The 2025 final is scheduled for February 23, 2025, at the same venue.

 

Key Highlights of the 2025 Lagos FA Cup

  • Historic Venues: The tournament will commence at the Legacy Pitch and New Maracana Stadium, two legendary locations in Lagos football.
  • Youth Development: The inclusion of 28 rookie teams underscores the LSFA’s commitment to grassroots football.
  • Diverse Participation: A total of 84 teams, including a female category, signifies the growing appeal and inclusivity of the Lagos FA Cup.
  • Stringent Standards: LSFA’s focus on improved organization and strict rule enforcement promises a high-quality competition.