Gold Cup 2026: Grassrunners FC, Abakaliki FC Shock Inter Lagos, Ikorodu City,Doma United Record First Win
Lagos Derby rivals, Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City, were on Monday handed reality checks after losing, respectively, to Grassrunners FC and Abakaliki FC on MatchDay 4 of the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup pre-season tournament at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Grassrunners FC took just 28 minutes to decide the game, with Ajibola Emmanuel finishing after a defensive slip during play. Ubi Johnson then doubled the lead with a precise shot, putting his team at the top with 10 points.
Ikorodu City paid the price for not killing the game against Abakaliki FC, despite dominating possession at 53%.
Four minutes past the half hour mark, Moses Amanekwu scored to give De Rice Boys their first goal.
De Rice Boys, holding a one-goal lead, added another in the 88th minute when a poor clearance from Ikorodu City allowed Chimaobi Metumareobi to score a half-volley from inside the box. This victory moved Abakaliki FC to second place with 9 points.
Doma United earned their first Gold Cup win as the Savannah Tigers defeated Dokkal Khairu FC 3-1. Goals from Haruna Abubakar (7th minute), Bitrius Philemon (38th minute), and Usman Nasiba (85th minute) highlighted their strong performance against the newly-promoted NNL Dokkal Khairu of Ile-Ife.
Meanwhile, the first MatchDay 4 game between Stormers SC and Sunshine Stars ended in a 1-1 draw, with all goals scored in the first half.
Action resumes on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a rest day.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
