Excitement is building ahead of the final of the 2026 1XCup Grassroots Football Tournament in Lagos State, as Young Strikers FC of Lagos Island prepare to face Tonic FC of Ikorodu for the coveted title this weekend.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at Inspire Sports Arena, Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos, with kick off set for 11am. The two teams will compete for the top prize in what has grown into one of Nigeria’s major grassroots football competitions.
Before the final, Collins Edwin SC and JP Young Stars FC, who lost their respective semi final matches, will meet to determine the third placed team in the fourth edition of the tournament.
Chief organiser of the competition, Engr. Waidi Akanni, confirmed the fixtures and disclosed that several prominent figures from the sports and political sectors are expected to attend the final. Akanni, a former Nigeria international and ex chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, said the guest list includes former Manchester United and Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo.
Other expected guests include Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission; Chief Anthony “Zulu” Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports; sports entrepreneur Yemi Idowu; and former senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who heads the Lagos APC campaign group associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, Mr Vinod Obasa, the Consul General of the Brazilian Embassy and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tijani Fatai, are also expected at the event.
Akanni commended 1XBET Limited for supporting the tournament, noting that the competition has created opportunities for young Nigerian footballers to showcase their abilities and attract interest from clubs abroad.
The 1XCup was established by betting company 1XBET to promote grassroots sports and provide a platform for emerging football talents. Since its first edition in 2023, the tournament has grown steadily, attracting hundreds of young players, numerous teams and thousands of football fans.
The 2026 season began in July, with supporters treated to competitive encounters, unexpected results, dramatic comebacks and impressive goals. The final is expected to bring the campaign to an exciting close as Young Strikers FC and Tonic FC compete for the championship.
