The sponsor of the annual 1XCup grassroots football tournament, leading sports betting company 1xBet Nigeria, has expressed satisfaction with the impact of the competition over the past three editions as preparations reach top gear for the fourth edition, scheduled to kick off on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Lagos.

What began in 2023 as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support grassroots football has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost talent discovery platforms, providing young footballers with opportunities to launch professional careers both locally and internationally.

Encouraged by the tournament’s growing success, 1xBet has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in youth development through football. The fourth edition will feature a prize pool of ₦20 million, further underlining the company’s dedication to nurturing emerging talents.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the General Manager of 1xBet Nigeria, Dimeji Adedapo, said the competition has continued to grow in quality and organisation, with its impact evident in the success stories of players who have progressed to higher levels of the game.

“We are delighted that our investment in the 1XCup since its inception has produced remarkable results. The tournament has become a genuine pathway from grassroots football to the professional level,” Adedapo said.

“We are proud that several players who featured in previous editions are now excelling in clubs across Nigeria, Africa and Europe. Two products of the tournament were even members of the team that won the recent Unity Cup in London.

“Seeing these young footballers advance in their careers motivates us to continue supporting this initiative.”

According to him, more than 30 players who participated in previous editions have secured professional contracts with clubs in Nigeria, Bulgaria, Norway, Albania and several other countries.

Also speaking, Abiodun Babalola, the Head of Operations of 1xBet, the sports betting company has remained committed to sponsoring the tournament because of its significant contribution to grassroots football development in Nigeria.

He commended the organisers and everyone who has contributed to the tournament’s success since its inaugural edition, expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to grow stronger.

“Our desire is to sustain this relationship and take the competition to even greater heights. We are determined to make the fourth edition the best organised since the tournament began,” Babalola said.

Chairman of the tournament’s Technical Committee and former Super Eagles international as well as former Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Wahid Akanni, disclosed that interest in this year’s competition reached an unprecedented level, with more than 800 grassroots clubs indicating interest in participating.

Following a rigorous screening exercise, 100 teams were selected to compete in the month-long championship.

“The selected teams represent the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State to ensure fair participation across the state,” Akanni explained.

“The competition will begin with the qualifying rounds before progressing to the group and knockout stages. The divisions include Epe, Badagry, Lagos Island, Ikeja and Ikorodu, with teams qualifying from each zone into the knockout rounds.

“It promises to be a highly competitive tournament because every participating team is determined to emerge champions.”

The 2026 edition of the 1XCup will officially commence at Inspire Stadium, Oshodi Cappa, Lagos, on Thursday, July 23.

Ikorodu City Football Academy are the defending champions after defeating ISAGT Athletic 1-0 in the final of the 2025 edition at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, to claim the championship title and the ₦10 million winners’ prize.