1xCUP: How Grassroots Football Is Opening Doors for Young Nigerian Players

THISDAYLIVE | 13-09-2026 08:40pm |

The 1xCUP, a grassroots football competition that started in 2023 with a N1 million top prize, has expanded to provide young Nigerian players with opportunities for visibility and professional careers. The latest edition drew 24 teams from a qualifying process involving 100 grassroots sides into six groups at The Providence Hotel in Lagos. Group-stage matches will run from September 15 to October 8, 2026, with the final on October 31 at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The winner will receive N10 million from a total prize pool of N20 million, while second and third places get N5 million and N3 million respectively.

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