Away Wins, Beyond Limits Triumph, and Real Sapphire Comeback as TCC Cup Returns

The first round of the 2025/2026 TCC Cup season kicked off over the weekend. All but just two teams found the back of the net in an enthralling opening day of the competition.

In Group A, all three away teams picked up at least a point while scoring two goals each.

Imperial made a strong start to their campaign, defeating Valiant on the road. Their two first-half goals put the game firmly in their grip as they secured maximum points. The only side to keep a clean sheet in the group, they finished the round top of Group A.

VOE made it two wins in a week against Dino, leaving it late this time in the cup. Ejike Temple put Dino ahead in the second minute, as the hosts leveraged on VOE’s sloppy defense. The visitors, not wanting to let Dino out of their sight, equalized in the 11th minute, through Ogunfile Daniel.

Six minutes from time, the Dino defense was breached again, this time by Abdulraheem Hayyu. The player capitalized on Toriola’s mistake in goal, nodding the ball past the goalkeeper. His goal proved to be decisive as it earned VOE maximum points.

In the group’s other game, a resolute Real Sapphire came from behind to earn a draw against Atlantic Business after going down 2-0.

Reigning champions, Beyond Limits, needed a comeback to secure a 2-1 home victory against Gbagada in Group B. 

Sefiu had earlier opened the visitors’ account in the 18th minute with a header from a corner kick. Coach Olumide’s side however rallied back in the second half, first with Oyeniran Peter’s 72nd minute goal before Daniel scored the winner five minutes from time.

In other Group B games, Atlantic Business settled for a draw against Sporting Lagos after letting their lead slip twice. Dannaz compounded Iganmu’s woeful start to the season, securing the only away win in the group with a 3-0 victory.

Eight of the 12 teams scored at least twice but only four recorded victory. Are these early signs of an unpredictable TCC Cup season ahead of us?