Three years ago, the vision was simple: provide a platform where talented young footballers could showcase their abilities while giving back to society through sports. Today, that vision has blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most impactful grassroots football competitions.

As the fourth edition of the 1XCup kicks off on July 23, 2026, at Inspire Stadium, Oshodi Cappa, Lagos, the tournament has grown far beyond being just another football championship. It has become a launchpad for aspiring footballers, a talent pipeline for clubs at home and abroad, and a shining example of how corporate investment can transform grassroots sports.

Backed by leading sports betting company 1xBet Nigeria as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the competition has consistently created opportunities for young players who otherwise might never have been discovered.

The results speak louder than the ambitions that birthed the tournament.

Since its inaugural edition in 2023, more than 30 players have earned professional contracts with clubs in Nigeria and overseas, including teams in Bulgaria, Norway, Albania and several other countries. Some former participants have gone on to represent top clubs, while two graduates of the competition recently celebrated victory at the Unity Cup in London—an achievement that underscores the tournament’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for future stars.

For the General Manager of 1XCup, Dimeji Adedapo, these success stories are the greatest reward for the company’s investment.

“When we started, our goal was to create a pathway from grassroots football to the professional game,” Adedapo said.

“Looking back today, we are proud that our investment has not been in vain. We have watched young footballers progress into successful careers in Nigeria, across Africa and in Europe. Seeing these players succeed motivates us to keep supporting the competition.”

This year’s edition further demonstrates that commitment. With a prize pool of ₦20 million, the organisers hope to make the tournament even more competitive while providing greater incentives for participating teams.

According to Abiodun Babalola, who is the Head of Operations of 1XBet Nigeria, continued sponsorship of the company reflects its confidence in the tournament’s ability to positively impact grassroots football development in Nigeria.

He praised the organisers and everyone involved in delivering the competition over the years, expressing optimism that the partnership would continue to grow stronger.

“Our vision is to continue adding value to grassroots football and ensure that every edition surpasses the previous one. We believe the fourth edition will set a new benchmark,” he said.

The increasing popularity of the tournament is evident in the overwhelming interest from grassroots clubs across Lagos.

Chairman of the tournament’s Technical Committee and former Super Eagles international, Alhaji Wahid Akanni, revealed that more than 800 teams indicated interest in participating in this year’s competition.

After a rigorous selection exercise, only 100 teams secured places in the month-long tournament.

“The selected teams come from the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State—Badagry, Epe, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Lagos Island—to ensure balanced representation,” Akanni explained.

“The competition will begin with the qualifying rounds before moving into the group stage and eventually the knockout phase. Every team has its sights on lifting the trophy, and that will make this year’s competition highly competitive.”

Beyond the excitement of goals, trophies and prize money, the 1XCup has become a symbol of hope for young footballers chasing professional careers.

Every match offers another opportunity for scouts to discover hidden gems. Every tournament creates new success stories. Every edition reinforces the belief that talent, when properly nurtured, can change lives.

The 2025 edition provided another memorable chapter when Ikorodu City Football Academy edged ISAGT Athletic 1-0 in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, to lift the title and claim the ₦10 million grand prize.

As the countdown to the 2026 tournament ends, expectations are high that another generation of talented footballers will emerge from the competition.

For many of the young players who will step onto the pitches across Lagos from July 23, the 1XCup represents much more than a football tournament. It is an opportunity to be seen, to be discovered and, perhaps, to take the first decisive step toward fulfilling the dream of becoming professional footballers.

That, more than anything else, is the enduring legacy the 1XCup continues to build—one promising talent at a time.