1xCUP increases prize to ₦20m as over 30 players reach pro football

More than 30 players from past 1xCUP grassroots football tournaments are now signed to professional clubs in Nigeria, other African countries, and Europe. This was shared by the competition’s General Manager, Dimeji Adedapo, during a draw in Lagos on Friday for the final group stage of the 2026 edition of the tournament. The tournament started with 100 teams competing for 24 spots in the main event.

This growth shows how grassroots competitions can help young players find chances beyond local football. “This competition started in 2023 as an experiment by the brand 1xBet, and it is an answer to: what can we give back to the society where we operate?” Mr Adedapo explained.

He mentioned that the organisers discovered many talented young players who did not have the chance to attract attention from scouts or professional teams. “We see them every day, and we decided: let’s create the platform for them to showcase their talents, and whatever happens next is fine. And since 2023, we have had an amazing record,” he added.

Mr Adedapo noted that over 30 players from the tournament are now playing professional football. The fourth edition has narrowed down the original 100 teams to 24, which are divided into six groups of four teams each. The group stage kicks off on Tuesday and will continue until 8 October, with the final set for 31 October at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The 24 teams are competing for a total prize of ₦20 million. The champions will take home ₦10 million, the runners-up will receive ₦5 million, and the team in third place will get ₦3 million. There will also be individual awards for outstanding players and coaches, including the Most Valuable Player, top goalscorer, best goalkeeper, and best coach.

Adedapo shared that the competition began in 2023 with a ₦1 million grand prize, with matches held across various locations in Lagos. Shomolu Bariga FC won the first edition. Due to the positive response and the quality of players, the prize money was increased in 2024.

“In 2024, after we saw the reception of the competition by the teams and what these young talents can do, we upped the grand prize from ₦1 million to ₦20 million,” he explained. He added that planning for the competition usually takes several months. The qualification phase for 2026 ran from 23 July to 4 September, with 100 teams competing over 20 days.

The organisers have also invested in video coverage to help players show their performances to scouts. “We know that many of these young talents and grassroots football teams, when there’s an opportunity to sell their players, don’t have what to show to scouts,” Mr Adedapo said.

“But when you go to the 1xCUP Nigeria Bet YouTube platform, you can pick a lot of clips. We even do individual clips for fantastic players.” The draw created six groups.

Group A: Vido SC, Emiloju FC, JP Young Stars FC, BYT Academicals FC.

Group B: NewHope Naija FC, Divine Praise FC, Kiraa FA, Crusaders FC.

Group C: Ajuwa FC, Tonic FC, Joy Cometh FC, Mega 22 FC.

Group D: 36 Lions, Ighalo Football Academy, Maryland United FC, Crystal FC.

Group E: Inspire Sports Academy, Young Strikers FC, Dynamic FC, AMA Smile FC.

Group F: Collins Edwin Sports Club, ECAs FC, Elite Stars FC, AUX FC.

The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the knockout stage. The four best third-placed teams will complete the 16-team knockout stage. However, Mr Adedapo urged the teams to improve their discipline and timeliness, as past editions saw teams arriving late or missing matches.

“It is not encouraging. Teams should realise that the only thing they can give back to us in the competition is their cooperation,” he said. He emphasized that teams do not pay registration fees to join.

“It is a 100 per cent free competition. We are not taking registration fees from anyone. Even after the competition, if you win, you get ₦10 million without paying a dime, and they have a good platform, everything,” he stated.

He called on the 24 teams to respect the competition’s schedules and rules. “So, I am using this opportunity to appeal to the 24 teams in this year’s competition to please adhere to time and enjoy the tournament,” he added.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju, sports veteran Dimeji Lawal, and officials from government, youth development, and the sports sector were present at the draw. With the group stage about to start, the tournament will now test its goal of finding players for professional opportunities while also competing for the title and the ₦10 million grand prize.