Lagos Hosts 2026 1xCup with N20 Million Prize

The 2026 1xCup football championship is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, featuring 180 clubs and 5,000 players competing for a N20 million prize. The tournament, announced during a press conference in Ikeja, is described as the largest professional grassroots football event in Nigeria.

It aims to provide opportunities for players to impress scouts from clubs across Nigeria, Africa, and Europe. Dimeji, the tournament organizer, stated that this year's competition has attracted unprecedented interest, with nearly 800 clubs applying and 100 teams meeting eligibility requirements.

The tournament will include a rigorous screening process to ensure fairness, resulting in 24 clubs from Agege, 24 from Lagos Island, 20 from Badagry, 12 from Ikorodu, and fewer from Epe due to lower registration numbers. The competition will feature 38 matchdays, progressing from qualification rounds to knockout stages, with 24 teams qualifying for the group stage.

Each participating player will receive a digital profile and performance data, enhancing recruitment opportunities.