1xCUP grassroots football tournament increases prize pool to ₦20m

The 1xCUP grassroots football tournament has expanded its prize pool to ₦20 million for its 2026 edition. Following a qualification process involving 100 teams, 24 clubs have been drawn into six groups to compete in the upcoming tournament.

Organizers stated that the competition serves as a platform for young Nigerian players to gain visibility with scouts and professional clubs. According to Dimeji Adedapo, General Manager of 1xCUP Nigeria, more than 30 players from previous editions have successfully transitioned to professional leagues in Nigeria, Africa, and Europe.

The group stage is scheduled to run from September 15 through October 8, culminating in a final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on October 31. The champion will receive ₦10 million, while the runners-up and third-place finishers will receive ₦5 million and ₦3 million, respectively.