De Royals, Dream Boys, Gbagada emerge top finalists after day 1 of Nigeria Five Aside qualifiers

After days of preparation, the much anticipated kick-off of the first international grassroots football championship in Nigeria, the World Football Fives got underway at the Astro Turf ground of Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere.

In a round of knock out games, the teams marched against their pairings to contest for a place in the finals stages.

Dynamo FC vs. Go Getter FC opened hostilities with the first game which ended 1-2 in favour of the latter.

The second game of the day between Young FC and De Royals produced the most goals with each team scoring at least two. De Royals ended the game 6-2 after they led in the first half 2-0.

Jay Jay Super Strikers beat Great United 4-0 in the third match.

Baba Gunners lost 1-2 to Dream Boys

In the fifth game between Bright Star FC and High Fliers, the latter soar higher than their opponent in a keenly contested fight for a place in the last three of day one.

Fliers were 2-0 goals ahead when Bright Stars attempted a shocking comeback with a goal from Wale but could not complete the resurgence before the final whistle. 2-1 it ended at full time.

Gbagada beat Hensworth 2-0 in the last game of the first knockout rounds.

Each winning team qualified to play-out a last knockout round to determine the last standing three teams.

Having beaten their opponents in the first group of games, six teams contested to determine the last three standing for day one.

De Royals vs. Go Getters: 4-0

Dream Boys vs. Jay Jay Super Strikers: 1-1, Dream Boys win on penalties

Gbagada vs. High Fliers: 1-0

De Royals, Dream Boys and Gbagada qualify to face opponents that will be decided on Sunday, March 22 when the matches resume at the same venue.

Photo Credit: Tunde Omisola