The highly anticipated Eko International Cup finally kicks off this Sunday, July 13, with a thrilling opener between Ikorodu City FC of Lagos and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan. The matchup reignites one of Southwest Nigeria’s most compelling football rivalries, promising excitement, tactical intensity, and a loud show of local pride.
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Originally planned as an 8-team tournament with clubs drawn from across Africa, the 2025 edition has been streamlined to feature six competitive teams, including Kallon FC of Sierra Leone, the only foreign side in the revised lineup.
According to the updated tournament structure, the participating teams have been divided into two groups of three:
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Group A
Shooting Stars (Ibadan)
Ikorodu City (Lagos)
Rivers United (Port Harcourt)
Group B
Enyimba International (Aba)
FC Kallon (Sierra Leone)
Remo Stars (Ikenne)
Despite the reduction in participating teams, anticipation remains high as fans expect fierce battles among some of Nigeria’s top-flight and emerging clubs. The tournament is expected to offer not just entertainment, but also tactical experiments ahead of the new season for NPFL and continental campaigners.
Full Eko International Cup 2025 Fixtures
Sunday, July 13: Ikorodu City vs Shooting Stars
Monday, July 14: Enyimba vs FC Kallon
Wednesday, July 16: Shooting Stars vs Rivers United
Wednesday, July 16: Remo Stars vs FC Kallon
Friday, July 18: Ikorodu City vs Rivers United
Friday, July 18: Remo Stars vs Enyimba FC
Sunday, July 20:
Third Place Match: 2nd Placed Group A vs 2nd Placed Group B
Final: Winner Group A vs Winner Group B
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FC Kallon, the lone international side, will aim to impress and potentially establish cross-border partnerships with Nigerian clubs. While Remo Stars and Rivers United will see the tournament as an opportunity to prepare for the continent.
The matches are scheduled to be played at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, with organizers promising fans a thrilling week of football, culture, and community engagement.
