Get Guardian on Google• Tonic FC crowned 2026 champions
Former Super Eagles’ striker, Odion Ighalo, has congratulated sports betting outfit, 1XBet for giving Nigerian youths opportunity to develop their football talents
Ighalo, who said that Nigerian sports will develop faster if more corporate organisations emulated 1XBet and sponsor sporting events, believes that the country would take its position among the top sporting countries of the world when youths find the avenue to hone their skills.
Speaking at the final of the 2026 1XBet Cup won by Tonic FC of Ikorodu last Saturday at Inspire Sports Arena, Cappa, Oshodi, Ighalo said that the competition has offered the country a platform to discover and nurture young football talents.
He said: “We need more sports facilities in our communities and local government areas to encourage young people to participate in sports.
“Football provides opportunities for young people to develop their talents, while competitions like this help discover the next generation of national players.”
Also speaking at the event, former international midfielder, Waidi Akanni, who is the technical director of 1XBET Nigeria, said sustained corporate sponsorship and government support were necessary to strengthen grassroots football development.
He said that football academies required adequate funding, facilities and institutional support to nurture young players and provide opportunities for career progression.
” I’m urging corporate organisations and government agencies to sustain their collaboration in developing the country’s football sector.
“With recent happenings within our national teams, its crucial to note that the place of grassroots development can no longer be undermined,” he said.
Speaking after receiving his gold medal and the N10 million cheque won by his team, Tonic FC Captain, Alfred Isaac, said the competition has provided opportunities for young players and coaches to showcase their abilities and attract international opportunities.
He said that the tournament had demonstrated that grassroots competitions could serve as pathways to professional football.
Tonic FC, a debutant in the championship, defeated Young Strikers FC via penalty shootout to lift the trophy.
For their efforts, they took home a giant trophy, gold medals and the N10 million top prize money, while Young Strikers got medals and N5 million.
The bronze medals were also decided on penalties, with JP Youngsters defeating Collins Edwin SC 4-2 to take the N3 million third place prize.
