Nigeria’s biggest grassroots event kicks off on July 23. The application period has officially closed, and 1xBet has announced the 100 teams that will compete in the new 1xCup season.

Experienced teams, already accustomed to the pressure of big matches, and daring newcomers will fight for the title and generous prize money. All the participants are highly motivated and fired up, as the prestige of their community and the dream of launching a professional football career are at stake.

Preparations for the first matches have already begun

From June 1 to 19, online registration was open for teams wishing to take part in the 1xCup 2026. Every amateur club in Lagos was given a unique opportunity to join our country’s largest grassroots tournament. The application period has officially closed, and on July 7, 1xBet announced the list of the teams that will be competing for victory in the fourth season of the 1xCup.

On July 23, the first qualifying matches for the 1xCup 2026 will kick off at the Inspire Sports Ground stadium. The 100 participants have been grouped into divisions according to the IBILE system: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Division, and Epe. They will all be competing for 24 spots in the group stage to represent their districts in the main phase of the tournament, which begins on September 11.

Right from the first qualifying matches, fans will get a taste of the unique vibe of Nigerian football. There will be no draws in this round – if the teams cannot determine a winner in regular time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout. There’s no time to warm up: every club needs to give its maximum effort right from the very first game.

Team synergy, belief in the coaching staff’s ideas and total commitment – this is the only way to secure a place among the top 5 in your division and qualify for the group stage.

The 1xCup 2026 isn’t just a race for the trophy and prize money, but also a springboard into professional football. Starting from the knockout stage, scouts from African and European clubs will attend all tournament matches to find potential new signings. More than 30 players who have excelled over the past three seasons have signed their first professional contracts with teams from Nigeria, Bulgaria, Albania, and Norway.

Supporting young talent has always been a key mission of the 1xCup 2026. This is where dreams come true and new football stars are born.

More than just a tournament

The 1xCup 2026 brings together amateur football teams, young, talented players, coaches, and local communities across Nigeria. For the first time, the list of participants includes clubs from all divisions of Lagos, who will battle it out to the very end for the honour of their home streets and the people they love.

The qualifying matches are just around the corner. Follow the 1xCup 2026, support your local teams, and get into the spirit of Nigeria’s biggest amateur football tournament with 1xBet!

For the latest 1xCup 2026 results and tournament updates, visit the official 1xCup Instagram page.