Omotayo Fashola
1xCup executives (L-R): Waidi Akanni, Technical Director; Abiodun Babalola, Head of Operations; and Adedapo Dimeji, General Manager, during the announcement of the 2026 tournament at a press briefing in Lagos.
The 2026 edition of the 1xCup football tournament promises to be bigger and more impactful, with organisers revealing plans to empower 100 grassroots teams with a ₦20 million prize pool alongside an advanced talent discovery system. During Friday’s unveiling in Lagos, authorities highlighted innovations such as player profiling, real-time analytics, and enhanced scouting mechanisms to bridge the gap between amateur talent and professional opportunities.
Adedapo Dimeji, General Manager of 1xCup, described how the tournament has evolved since its 2023 inception into Nigeria’s premier grassroots football initiative, fostering over 180 clubs and 5,000 athletes—some of whom now play professionally in Nigeria, Africa, and Europe.
“This tournament is more than silverware—it’s a life-changing platform,” Dimeji emphasized. “By connecting young players with scouts and clubs in a structured environment, we’re rewriting their futures. Our commitment remains unwavering: to be the bridge from local pitches to elite stadiums.“
He confirmed that the 2026 competition will involve 100 elite grassroots teams from Lagos’ five major districts—Agege, Lagos Island, Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe—with upgraded logistics, media visibility, and digital player portfolios to boost recruitment prospects.
Unlocking Professional Pathways
Dimeji spotlighted past participants like FC Bethel’s Okechukwu, who secured an Egyptian club deal after topping the scorer’s chart, and Dosu FC’s Kayode Akinyemi, among others now thriving in professional leagues. Notably, two 1xCup alumni recently represented Nigeria at the Unity Cup in London, lifting the trophy.
“These successes validate our model,” he stated, adding that 2026 will introduce digital player profiles with performance metrics and match footage for scouts. Technical evaluators will track every game, while weekly awards will spotlight emerging stars.
Fierce Competition for Limited Slots
Waidi Akanni, Technical Director and ex-Super Eagles defender, revealed that nearly 800 teams applied, but only 100 met strict eligibility criteria after verification. Agege and Lagos Island lead with 24 slots each, followed by Badagry and Ikorodu (20 each), and Epe (12). The 38-match tournament will feature qualifiers, group stages (six groups of four), and knockout rounds, with 16 teams advancing to the finals.
Strengthening Grassroots Integrity
New regulations bar active professionals, ensuring opportunities for undiscovered talent. Each squad can register 25 players, including five aged 16–18 to nurture youth development. Exceptions will require special approval for unattached players.
Expanding Horizons: Women’s Football and National Growth
While 1xCup remains male-focused, plans for a women’s tournament are in motion, per Head of Operations Abiodun Babalola. “We’re engaging stakeholders to replicate our success for female athletes,” he said.
Dimeji also announced ambitions to extend 1xCup beyond Lagos, citing discussions with South-East and Middle Belt states, plus collaborations with the NFF and NSC. The ultimate goal? A pan-African championship, inspired by Kenya’s Waziri Cup, where national winners compete continentally.
“Lagos is just the beginning,” Dimeji declared. “We envision a future where 1xCup unites Africa’s brightest grassroots talents.“
The 2026 tournament kicks off July 23, with 1XBET backing a spectacle set to shape football’s next generation.
