By Irom Daniel
The heartbeat of Nigerian grassroots football pulsed with renewed energy as the draw for the much-anticipated 2025 1XBet Cup was officially held in Lagos.
Spearheaded by former Super Eagles defender and football administrator Waheed Akanni, the tournament promises to spotlight raw football talent from the streets to stadiums.
Organized in collaboration with leading sports betting brand 1XBet and endorsed by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), the 1XBet Cup is set to become one of the largest privately-backed grassroots competitions in Nigeria.
Speaking during the draw ceremony, held with participating teams and local officials in attendance, Akanni emphasized the importance of structured development at the grassroots level.
“We’re not just organizing a tournament—we’re building a platform,” Akanni said. “The 1XBet Cup is about discovery, opportunity, and bridging the gap between street football and professional exposure.”
The 1XBet Cup will unfold in phases:
Local Government qualifiers across Lagos State
A citywide knockout stage
A grand finale featuring the top community teams. Dozens of youth and amateur clubs registered for the draw, with fixtures expected to kick off in the coming weeks.
The tournament will be played in designated community pitches and stadiums across the state, with match officials, scouts, and talent evaluators in attendance.
According to organizers, the ultimate aim is to identify future stars who may otherwise never have the chance to showcase their skills on a bigger platform.
“Football is deeply rooted in our communities,” said Mr. Benard Onigbinde, a 1XBet ambassador present at the event. “This initiative is part of our commitment to giving back through sport.”
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), which regulates betting and sports promotions in the state, gave its formal blessing to the project earlier this year.
The regulator expressed optimism that this collaboration between corporate bodies and sports icons like Akanni would set a new benchmark in responsible, impactful youth engagement.
“This is not just CSR—it’s a legacy building,” said a spokesperson for the LSLGA.
Waheed Akanni, who played for Nigeria’s national team in the 1980s and later served as Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, brings decades of experience to the project.
Known for his passionate advocacy for youth football, Akanni believes grassroots sports must be revived if Nigeria is to reclaim its status as a global football force.
“There are hundreds of Jay-Jay Okochas and Osimhens in these streets. We just need to find them,” he added.
The 1XBet Cup’s opening matches are scheduled to begin later this August, with participating teams expected to receive match kits, training support, and in some cases, media coverage of their games.
The final will be played under floodlights in a yet-to-be-announced Lagos stadium, with scouts from top clubs and academies invited to attend.
As Nigerian football looks to rediscover its local roots, the 1XBet Cup stands as a bold statement: that the future of football lies not just in elite academies, but in the dusty fields and dreams of everyday yo emerging African talents.
