Nigeria Premier League

All Set For 1XBET Cup, As Organisers, Teams Declare Readiness

All is now set for the kick-off of the maiden edition of the 1XBET Cup, as actions begin Tuesday in the DBI Conference of the championship, featuring 40 non-league sides drawn from different parts of Lagos State and that have been divided into 5 Conferences of 8 teams each. 

On Tuesday, at the Nitel Training ground venue of the DBI Conference, Capital Avalanche will tackle Cheche Star FC in the opening game of group A, while Soccer Touch will lock horns with Fackson FC.

On Wednesday, soccer fans will see actions in group B, as Bariga FC and G-Innovation will do battle in the first game. And in the second game of the group, Ifako FC and Emiloju FC would battle for supremacy.

 Matchday 2 matches in group A resume on Thursday, when Cheche Stars FC play against Soccer Touch and Capital Avalanche go to battle with Fackson FC. On Friday, actions will resume again in group B of the Conference, as Bariga FC play against Emiloju FC, while G. Innovation will face Fako FC in the second game of the day. 

Actions will continue in the Conference next Tuesday, in the match day 3 of the 1XBET Cup to produce the two teams that would move into the last eight of the championship. 

Consultant and Coordinator of the 1XBET Cup, Engr. Waidi Akanni, speaking on the readiness of the organisers, reaffirms that everything has been put in place to set an enviable benchmark for the organisation and development of grassroots football in Lagos and Nigeria, in general. 

President of G-Innovation FC, one of the teams participating in the championship, Edwin Chigozie Nwagwu, expressed the readiness of his team to take on all opponents and claim the ultimate prize in the championship. 

“We’re ready for this championship. We’re known as ‘Conquistadors’, and it’s not for nothing,” the youthful club owner boasted. 

He went on to praise the organisers and particularly, the sponsors of the 1XBET Cup, for giving opportunities to non-league teams to compete for honours and win prizes in the much-anticipated grassroots football competition.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

Share
Published by
Abdul Noah Ocholi

Recent Posts

ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF

  The Nigeria Football Federation, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences…

14 hours ago

14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie

  Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has opened a window on the approach the…

14 hours ago

Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta

    The Lagos football community is agog for the maiden edition of Tonic Cup,…

16 hours ago

**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have…

17 hours ago

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan Liverpool…

17 hours ago

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will 'put Lionel…

24 hours ago