From unsung heroes to champions: Bethel FC's inspiring journey at the 1XBET cup

Winning the competition wasn’t the first thing for Bethel FC during the 1XBET Cup. The journey all started as participating and developing their players before they surprisingly made it to the finals. The story of the Surulere-based club was one of unsung heroes, rising from the preliminary stages to the final round. They were one of the underdogs in the competition.

Bethel FC's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance in overcoming adversity.

Having lost their first game in the tournament which also served as the only, they began building with a stronger mindset that helped them overcome tougher opponents. They defeated Gunnerslink 2:1 in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos state, Nigeria to win the second edition of the 1xBet championship.

In an exclusive interview with Sportsboom, Bethel FC's coach Nathaniel Olagunju, top scorer Okechukwu Nwanna and other players, David Okereke and Daniel Jamin shared their remarkable journey. 

A journey of growth and development

Coach Olagunju revealed that the team's preparation began four months ago, during the FA Cup where they defeated a second division side Smart City by a lone goal. 

David Okereke, the tournament's most valuable player emphasised the team's winning mentality. "We prepared physically and technically, knowing what it takes to be champions. Losing our first game wasn't easy, but it proved the tournament's quality," David Okereke concluded.

"We started with qualifier games, winning 9-0 and 4-0,” Daniel Jamin reflected on the team's progression.

“We worked hard, knowing other strong teams were competing. Our coach always says we need to work hard and prepare well to win big games.”

A testament to teamwork and dedication

Okechukwu, the tournament's top scorer, attributed his impressive six-goal haul to the selfless efforts of his teammates and his personal dedication.

"I couldn't have done it without my teammates," Okechukwu humbly acknowledged. "It was a collective effort – from our coaching staff to every player on and off the pitch. Everyone played a crucial role in our success.”

Both Okechukwu and the tournament best player, David Okereke also echoed that they deserved to win the tournament seeing the tenacity and unity imbibed in the team.

"We deserved the trophy, we worked closely as a team, putting aside our differences and building daily on our weaknesses.” 

Overcoming adversity and rising to the top

Bethel FC faced stiff competition throughout the tournament, including a breathtaking quarterfinal match against defending champions Somolu Bariga FC. Daniel Jamin described the encounter as "a very interesting game that expresses the team’s quality passes, dribbles, saves, and communication skills."

The team's perseverance paid off in the final against Gunners Link FC, securing a 2-1 victory. Okechukwu scored two crucial goals, cementing his position as the tournament's top scorer.

Why the team participated in the tournament

Speaking about the reason for participating in the tournament, Coach Olagunju said it was for personal growth and establishment of his players.

He further added that the tournament gave them a wide publicity and helped the players gain new experiences.