Dimeji Adedapo, General Manager of 1xCUP Nigeria, has revealed that more than 30 players who featured in previous editions of the grassroots football tournament have progressed to professional clubs in Nigeria, other African countries and Europe. Adedapo made the disclosure in Lagos while speaking at the 1xCUP 2026 final group-stage draw, where 24 teams were drawn into six groups as the race for the competition's N20 million total prize pool entered its decisive phase.
The draw, held at The Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, marked another milestone in the fourth edition of the competition, which began with 100 grassroots teams battling for 24 places in the group stage. The group-stage matches are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 15, and run until October 8, with the grand final set for October 31 at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos. He said 1xCUP was created in 2023 as a way for 1xBet to give back to society while providing talented young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
"We have over 30 players that have played in the 1xCUP playing in the professional league, either in Nigeria, Africa or Europe. For us, it has been a success," he said. From N1m Prize to N20m: Adedapo recalled that when the competition started in 2023, it was designed as an experiment with a N1 million grand prize. In 2024, organisers upped it to N20 million: the current prize structure provides N10 million for the champions, N5 million for the runners-up and N3 million for the third-placed team, with additional awards for Most Valuable Player, highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, best coach, and a prize for the most well-behaved team.
"Putting this kind of event together is not easy. Every year, we spend three, four months to make sure we achieve it," he said. The 2026 qualification round started on July 23 and ended on September 4, with 100 teams taking part. He identified punctuality and team organisation as major challenges, recalling technical walkovers awarded after teams failed to honour matches. Stressing the competition is 100% free (no registration fees), he appealed to the 24 qualified teams to respect the tournament's rules and schedules.
The draw produced six groups of four teams. 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 in each group qualify automatically (12 teams), joined by the four best third-placed teams for a 16-team knockout stage. The ceremony was attended by Nigerian football legend Mutiu Adepoju, sports veteran Dimeji Lawal, sports analyst Biola Kazeem, and Geraldine Ibeanusi, Managing Director of 1xBet Nigeria.
