The organisers of Nigeria’s premier grassroots football competition, 1xCup, have unveiled an ambitious blueprint for the 2026 edition, announcing that 100 grassroots clubs will compete for a ₦20 million prize package in what promises to be the tournament’s biggest and most professionally organised edition since its inception.
Beyond the prize money, organisers say this year’s championship is designed to provide a stronger pathway for talented young footballers into professional football through enhanced scouting, improved live streaming, comprehensive player profiling, wider media coverage and a structured player development programme.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the fourth edition of the competition at a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday.
Speaking at the event, General Manager of 1xCup, Adedapo Dimeji, said the competition has evolved significantly since it was introduced in 2023, growing from an experimental grassroots initiative into one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing football talent development platforms.
According to him, the tournament has already featured more than 180 clubs and over 5,000 players, with several participants progressing into professional football in Nigeria, across Africa and Europe.
“This year’s edition represents another major milestone in our journey,” Dimeji said.
“Since its inception in 2023, the 1xCup has grown into one of the country’s leading platforms for discovering and developing grassroots football talent. The tournament has featured more than 180 clubs and over 5,000 players, with several participants progressing to professional football opportunities both within Nigeria, Africa and Europe.”
He explained that the competition remains focused on creating opportunities rather than merely crowning champions.
“The tournament is not only about winning trophies. It is about creating opportunities. Our vision is to provide talented young footballers with a professionally organised competition where they can showcase their abilities before scouts, clubs, football administrators and fans. We remain committed to creating a pathway from grassroots football to the professional game.”
100 clubs across five Lagos divisions
Dimeji disclosed that the 2026 edition will feature 100 grassroots clubs drawn from the five traditional divisions of Lagos State—Agege (Ikeja Division), Lagos Island, Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe.
According to him, the structure is intended to deepen community participation, strengthen local rivalries and give more young footballers the opportunity to showcase their abilities before local and international scouts.
He further revealed that this year’s tournament comes with an enhanced reward structure, including a ₦20 million prize pool, individual player awards, improved media exposure, professional match organisation and a significantly expanded scouting programme.
Dimeji also acknowledged the contributions of Beaufortbet Nigeria Limited (1xBet Nigeria), describing the company’s continued investment as evidence of its commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots football development.
He equally thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Lagos State Sports Commission, community leaders, referees, volunteers and media partners for supporting the competition.
Addressing participating clubs, he urged players to compete with discipline and sportsmanship.
“Football has the power to unite communities, inspire young people and create life-changing opportunities. To all participating clubs, compete with passion, discipline, respect and fair play.”
Nearly 800 teams applied
Providing the tournament’s technical breakdown, Technical Director Waidi Akanni, a former Super Eagles defender, revealed that interest in this year’s competition reached unprecedented levels.
According to him, almost 800 teams registered, but only 100 clubs eventually secured places after undergoing extensive screening and verification.
“Every team went through a rigorous screening and verification process to ensure fairness and professionalism before the final selections were made.”
Akanni explained that the distribution of participating clubs reflects historical registration figures across the various divisions.
The breakdown includes:
Agege – 24 teams
Lagos Island – 24 teams
Badagry – 20 teams
Ikorodu – 20 teams
Epe – 12 teams
He noted that Epe received fewer slots because fewer clubs traditionally register from that division.
“Over the years, we have noticed that the number of registered teams from Epe has consistently been lower compared to other divisions.”
Tournament to run for 38 matchdays
Akanni announced that the competition will be played across 38 matchdays, beginning with a qualifying round before progressing into group and knockout stages.
He explained that during the qualifying stage:
Six teams will emerge from each 24-team division.
Five teams will qualify from each 20-team division.
Two teams will qualify from Epe.
The 24 successful teams will then be drawn into six groups of four clubs.
The top two teams from each group, alongside the four best third-placed teams, will progress into the Round of 16, after which the tournament will continue on a straight knockout basis until the final.
“Lose a match from the Round of 16 and your tournament is over until we eventually crown our champions.”
Professional organisation remains priority
Akanni stressed that professionalism remains central to the competition.
According to him, referees will be appointed independently by the Lagos State Referees Association, while healthcare partners will provide qualified medical personnel and ambulances at every venue.
He added that the competition’s Technical Committee comprises experienced football professionals and former international players responsible for maintaining technical standards.
Entertainment teams and vendors will also be present throughout the tournament to enhance the overall fan experience.
Scouting programme expanded
One of the major innovations unveiled for the 2026 edition is a significantly expanded talent identification programme.
Dimeji disclosed that organisers have invested heavily in player development and scouting to ensure talented footballers receive greater exposure.
For the first time, every player will have an individual digital profile supported by performance records and highlight videos throughout the competition.
“From the opening match, every player will have personal highlight clips. We want scouts and clubs around the world to evaluate players even if they cannot attend matches physically.”
He explained that dedicated technical assessment teams will monitor performances throughout the tournament while maintaining detailed player reports.
Outstanding performers will also receive Player of the Week awards.
By the knockout stages, accredited professional scouts will already possess weeks of player data, video highlights and technical assessments before making recruitment decisions.
“Our objective is not simply to discover one or two players. We want to create opportunities for as many deserving young footballers as possible.”
Success stories continue to grow
Dimeji said previous editions have already produced numerous professional footballers.
Among those highlighted were Kayode Akinyemi of Dosu FC, Okechukwu of FC Bethel, who secured a move to Egypt after finishing as the tournament’s highest goalscorer, Caleb Okereke, Clinton Lawani, Peter Ayisu, and several others currently playing professionally or undergoing trials.
He also referenced the recently concluded Unity Cup in London, noting that two former 1xCup players represented Nigeria and were part of the trophy-winning squad.
“These achievements reassure us that One S Cup is truly serving as a platform for discovering and developing football talent.”
According to him, organisers are now creating a structured player database that will continue tracking participants long after the tournament ends.
Professional players barred
Responding to questions from journalists, organisers confirmed that active professional footballers will not be eligible for the 2026 edition.
Akanni explained that stricter verification measures have been introduced after organisers reviewed participation rules.
Every club will register 25 players, with all players undergoing eligibility verification before approval.
However, exceptional cases involving players temporarily without clubs may be considered individually.
Organisers also announced a youth development initiative allowing clubs to register up to five players aged between 16 and 18, giving younger talents an opportunity to compete at a high level.
Women’s competition under consideration
Although the tournament currently focuses on men’s football, organisers revealed that discussions have already begun regarding a women’s edition.
According to Mr Babalola Abiodun, Head of operations for 1xBet, consultations are ongoing with stakeholders in grassroots women’s football to ensure any future competition is introduced sustainably.
“Women’s football is definitely part of our long-term vision. We want to build it properly and ensure it meets the same high standards that 1XCup has established.”
Expansion beyond Lagos
Perhaps the biggest announcement from the press conference was the organisers’ confirmation that plans are underway to expand the competition beyond Lagos.
Dimeji said the success of the Lagos tournament has encouraged discussions about establishing regional editions across Nigeria.
“Lagos alone is not Nigeria.”
He noted that previous editions have already attracted teams from states including Kaduna, Ogun and Ekiti, demonstrating nationwide interest.
According to him, discussions are currently ongoing with stakeholders in two South-East states and one Middle Belt state regarding future expansion.
Organisers said they are also engaging the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation as part of broader plans to build a competition with national reach.
Continental ambition
Looking beyond Nigeria, Dimeji disclosed that 1xBet ultimately envision 1xCup becoming an African grassroots championship.
He revealed that a similar competition is already running in Kenya under the name Waziri Cup, creating possibilities for future continental collaboration.
“Our vision is to take 1XCUP across Nigeria and eventually across Africa, where champions from different countries can compete against one another. We believe we will achieve that goal step by step.”
The 2026 edition of the tournament is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, July 23, with organisers promising another season of exciting football, emerging stars and fresh opportunities for young players hoping to launch professional careers.
