1xCup organisers unveil plans for 2026 tournament

Organizers of the 1xCup grassroots football tournament have unveiled an expanded talent development program for the 2026 edition, emphasizing the competition's growing role as a pathway to professional football. Several former participants have secured careers in Nigeria and abroad, underscoring the tournament's impact.

At the launch of the fourth edition in Lagos, organizers announced that 100 grassroots clubs will compete for a ₦20 million prize package. New initiatives include digital player profiling, enhanced scouting, performance analysis, and live streaming to increase players' visibility to professional clubs. Since its inception in 2023, the 1xCup has become one of Lagos' largest grassroots football competitions, with over 180 clubs and 5,000 players participating in its previous three editions.

"The tournament is not only about winning trophies. It is about creating opportunities," said Adedapo Dimeji, General Manager of 1xCup. "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."

“

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.

This year's tournament will involve 100 clubs from Lagos' five traditional football divisions. Organizers have improved match organization, expanded media coverage, and enhanced scouting and individual awards. Dimeji highlighted the progress of players like Kayode Akinyemi, Okechukwu, Caleb Okereke, Clinton Lawani, and Peter Ayisu, who have advanced to professional football. Two former 1xCup players recently represented Nigeria at the Unity Cup in London.

To further strengthen the development pathway, every player in the 2026 edition will receive a digital profile with performance data and highlight videos. Technical assessment teams will monitor matches, and scouts will have access to player reports. "Our objective is not simply to discover one or two outstanding players. We want to create opportunities for as many deserving young footballers as possible," Dimeji added. Former Super Eagles defender and 1xCup Technical Director Waidi Akanni noted that nearly 800 clubs applied for the 100 available spots, indicating intense interest in the competition.

“

Our objective is not simply to discover one or two outstanding players. We want to create opportunities for as many deserving young footballers as possible.