The most exciting phase of Nigeria’s premier amateur football tournament, the 1xCup 2025, is about to kick off — and all eyes are now on the group stage battles set to begin on August 12.
On Wednesday, the luxurious Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos buzzed with excitement as the group stage draw and the tournament format presentation unfolded before a packed audience.
The event, hosted by 1xBet ambassador and Nigeria’s first female pidgin sports commentator Suo Chapele and Babajide Guerrero.
The event attracted football stakeholders from across the country — including coaches, club owners, fans, and an impressive lineup of top-tier Nigerian media outlets.
Speaking at the event, a member of the organising committee emphasised the core values of the tournament.
“Honesty, transparency, and fair play are the pillars of 1xCup 2025. The tournament is a celebration of football that extends beyond the pitch,” he said.
One coach of a participating team added, “Last year’s draw was impressive, but this one surpassed all expectations. The attention was overwhelming — we’re fired up for the tournament!”
Now in its third edition, the 1xCup has grown rapidly in stature.
While last year saw over 160 entries, this year saw more than 450 teams expressing interest — a testament to its rising influence in grassroots football.
Group A houses Community Gunners FC, 36 LIONS FC, Collins Edwin FC, AFRICANO FC and NATH BOYS FA while in Group B EMALJUS FC, IKORODU CITY FA, G-INNOVATION FC, YOUNG STRIKERS FA and ECAS FA will bid to advance into the next round.
Group C will see EMILOJU FC, DOSU JOSEPH FA, UTILITY FC, SOCCER CARDINALS FA and lock horns ISGAT just as FC BETHEL SPORTING, INSPIRE SPORTS ACADEMY, DIVINE PRAISE FC, VINMO ENERGY FA and BRIGHTON FC jostle for places in the next round.
The Group Stage will hold from August 12 to September 10 while the Wild Card Round is scheduled for September 16 and 17.
The quarter-finals is billed to hold on September 23 and 24 with the semi-finals slated for September 30
The final will hold on October 9 at a yet to be named venue.
1xBet, the organiser and sponsor of the 1xCup, reaffirmed its commitment to using the tournament not only to discover football talent but also to foster community development and unity.
For more details on fixtures, teams, and betting opportunities, visit the official website: 1xcup.ng.
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