1xCUP prize fund in Nigeria totals ₦20 million
In Lagos, Nigeria, the organizers of the 1xCUP grassroots football tournament announced that the prize fund for the fourth edition stands at ₦20 million. Twenty-four teams out of 100 qualification participants advanced to the main stage of the competition.
Tournament General Manager Dimeji Adedapo said that more than 30 footballers who played in previous editions of 1xCUP have continued their careers at professional clubs in Nigeria, other African countries and Europe. According to him, the competition was created as a platform for young players who do not have enough opportunities to attract the attention of scouts and professional clubs, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Prizes and schedule
The tournament winner will receive ₦10 million, the second-placed team will get ₦5 million, and the bronze medalist will receive ₦3 million. Individual awards are also предусмотрены for the most valuable player, top scorer, goalkeeper and coach.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
The group stage starts on Tuesday and will run until October 8. The final is scheduled for October 31 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The teams were divided into six groups of four participants. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the playoffs, while the four best third-placed teams will receive the remaining spots.
The tournament has been held since 2023
1xCUP was launched in 2023 with a top prize of ₦1 million, and the first edition was won by Shomolu Bariga FC. According to Adedapo, in 2024 the organizers increased the prize structure to ₦20 million following a positive response from teams and an assessment of the level of young players.
The qualifying stage of the 2026 tournament ran from July 23 to September 4; 100 teams took part in it over 20 days. Registration for teams is free. The organizers also record matches on video and create separate clips featuring footballers' performances so that scouts can watch them.
