Promoters of the 1xCup have again lived up to billings as reputable key players in the nation’s grassroots football development.
This they did in the way their 1xCup 2026 Final Group Draw, fanned out yesterday, underscoring indeed, their commitment to identifying promising grassroots football talents and providing pathways for such young players to progress to professional football.
The Providence Hotel, Ikeja-venue of the draw, became an instant bee-hive, with a full house of journalists from across the media spectrum; ex internationals, club administrators, football managers and enthusiasts present.
From left: The Eagle Editor Cami Ezenwa; ex-international Mutiu Adepoju and Michael Bernard, Ecas Team Manager at the 1xCup draw
The entire process gave credence to the tournament’s increasing popularity and credibility milestones.
Ex-Nigerian internationals – hard-tackling Waidi Akanni; “the Headmaster” Mutiu Adepoju and winger, Dimeji Lawal were all on hand at the draw.
An obvious and consistent ambassador of 1x Cup, and role model of Nigerian football, Akanni acknowledged the organisers both for the lofty ideal and for keeping it alive four years on.
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“It is not easy to get the kind of sponsorship needed to put up this kind of project”, Akanni observed, commending the consistency of the tournament due to the commitment of the organisers.
He also admonished participating teams to adhere to rules aimed at making the tournament transparent and seamless.
“We apeal to participating teams to ensure they follow all rules, beginning from the preliminary stages.
” We will apply sanctions where necessary”, he admonished.
The draw unveiled 6 groups of 4 teams each, making a total of 24 teams participating in the tournament.
Two teams are expected to emerge from each group leading up to the next stage of the competition to the final with a total prize money of N20 million at stake.
According to the organisers, the group stage will run from September 15 to October 8, 2026, with the tournament culminating in the grand final on October 31, 2026, at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.