Grassroots Football: 1xBet Cup Draw Sets Stage For Battle
By VIVIAN AHANMISI
WITH a grand prize of ₦20 million, the stage is set for the 2025 1xBet Community Grassroots Football Cup following Tuesday’s official draw in Lagos.
The third edition of the annual tournament will run from 12 Aug. 12 to Oct. 16, promoting community engagement, sports development, and grassroots talent discovery.
The draws, conducted at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, grouped 20 participating teams into four competitive pools ahead of what promises to be an exciting contest.
Teams will showcase skill, strategy, and teamwork as they compete for glory and a share of the attractive prize pool.
Group A includes Community Gunners FC, 36 Lions FC, Collins Edward FA, Africano FA, and Nath Boys FA.
Group B features Emaljus FC, Ikorodu City FA, G-Innovation FC, Young Strikers FA, and Ecas FA.
Group C has Emilojo FC, Dosu Joseph FA, Utility FC, Isgat FC, and Soccer Cardinals FA.
Group D consists of FC Bethel Sporting, Inspire Sport Academy, Divine Praise FC, Vinmo Energy FA, and Brighton FC.
1xBet’s Country Manager, Gerardine Ibeanusi, described the groupings as highly competitive and praised the enthusiasm of the participating teams.
“Every football club shares the same ambition – to emerge victorious and claim the top prize,” Ibeanusi said.
She added that 1xBet remains strongly committed to supporting grassroots football across Nigeria through strategic investment in community-based initiatives.
“This cup is our way of giving back to the community that continues to support us,” Ibeanusi stated.
She noted that the company’s involvement is driven not just by profit but by responsibility towards Nigerian youth and grassroots development.
“Companies enter a market to benefit – financially or otherwise. 1xBet has reaped gains and now gives back by empowering youths and the football ecosystem,” she said.
Tournament Director and ex-international, Waidi Akanni, hinted that future editions may feature girls and women’s categories to further expand participation.
“Have faith in the 1xCup platform, trust our transparent process, and let your performance on the pitch earn you ₦20 million,” he said.
Report indicated that the tournament has grown significantly since its inception.
In 2024, FC Bethel Sporting emerged champions after defeating Gunners Link FC 2–1 in a thrilling final to claim ₦20 million.
Gunners Link FC earned ₦10 million as runners-up, while Emaljus FC secured third place by beating Emilojo FC in a penalty shootout to win ₦5 million.
In 2023, Bariga FC beat Odion Ighalo Academy 2–0 in the final and claimed ₦1 million. The runners-up received ₦500,000.
Young Strikers finished third and received ₦300,000 in that edition, which attracted significant community interest.
The tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for young players to display talent and attract attention from professional clubs.
(NAN)
