The 1xCup 2025 officially continued in style as the tournament’s group stage draw was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos, drawing a high-profile audience of football stakeholders, club officials, sports journalists, and fans from across the country.
Now in its third edition, the 1xCup has quickly become a flagship grassroots football tournament in Nigeria, offering a platform for emerging talent and promoting community development through sport.
This year’s draw event delivered both spectacle and significance — a clear sign of how far the competition has come.
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The ceremony was jointly anchored by 1xBet ambassador and pioneering female pidgin sports commentator, Suo Chapele, and renowned TV host Babajide Guerrero, whose charisma lit up the stage.
The Merit reports that the event featured music, commentary, and even a live illusionist performance — an unexpected yet delightful twist that added magic to the atmosphere.
Attendees described the event as not only professionally executed but deeply energizing. For many clubs, it marked the first major highlight in their 1xCup journey.
“We needed to ensure a high level of organization for both the event and the draw procedure,” a representative of the 1xCup 2025 organizing committee said. “Honesty, transparency, and fair play are the most important principles of this tournament. Football is at the heart of it all, but the celebration goes beyond the pitch.”
A participating coach echoed similar sentiments about the tournament’s growing prestige.
“There were so many journalists in the room that I felt like a celebrity,” he said. “We’re more motivated than ever to show what we’re made of on the field.”
Group Stage Draw: Teams and Fixtures Revealed
Following the formal speeches and entertainment segments, the spotlight shifted to the main attraction — the group stage draw.
The 20 teams were divided into four groups:
Group A:
Community Gunners FC, 36 Lions FC, Collins Edwin FC, Africano FC, Nath Boys FA
Group B:
Emaljus FC, Ikorodu City FA, G-Innovation FC, Young Strikers FA, ECAS FA
Group C:
Emiloju FC, Dosu Joseph FA, Utility FC, Soccer Cardinals FA, ISGAT
Group D:
FC Bethel Sporting, Inspire Sports Academy, Divine Praise FC, Vinmo Energy FA, Brighton FC
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Tournament Timeline
The competition is set to run from August 12 to October 9, with several stages leading to the grand final:
Group Stage: August 12 – September 10
Wild Card Round: September 16–17
Quarter-finals: September 23–24
Semi-finals: September 30
Final: October 9
