The prestigious 1XBET CUP 2023 press conference, held at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja on September 25, 2023, drew a distinguished audience comprising ex-footballers, veterans, members of the press, and notable personalities.
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The event was marked by electrifying performances from comedians and dancers, adding an air of excitement and festivity.
Fanny Amun, a prominent figure in Nigerian football, expressed the significance of 1XBET’s initiative for grassroots football development. He highlighted the importance of commencing this program at the state level, with aspirations to expand it nationally.
Amun emphasized the ultimate goal of nurturing talent that could represent Nigeria on the international stage, lauding 1XBET for providing a platform that eliminates excuses and fosters possibilities.1XBET CUP
Augustine Eguavoen, the NFF Technical Director and former Super Eagles coach stressed the essence of the event—football development. Eguavoen, reminiscing about his own journey, emphasized the lack of sponsorship during his playing days and the need for football legends to give back to the sport. He commended those committed to football development, asserting that football unites Nigerians.
Oluwafemi Babalola, Managing Director of 1XBET in Nigeria, underscored the seriousness with which 1XBET views its involvement in football. He acknowledged the misconceptions surrounding betting and highlighted their commitment to corporate social responsibility. Babalola unveiled 1XBET’s objective: to discover and nurture football talent across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of providing hope and opportunities to aspiring footballers.
“1XBET does not take betting for granted. We see it as serious business, and we want to package it as such. I know from the mind of the people that betting is for the small boys. Betting is a very serious business and as far as CSR is concerned, we take it very seriously. Our intention or objective for this tournament for which we are spending so much is to contribute to the football sports development in Nigeria. We want to go deep down and discover the talent.”
Daniel Amokachi, Special Adviser to the President (Sports), illuminated the role of football in unifying communities. Drawing parallels to South Africa’s history and Nigeria’s past unity, he championed the initiative’s goal of rekindling unity through sports. He lauded Waidi Akanni for his leadership and called upon the media to support this noble cause.
“This initiative, using football to bring communities together is a great one. This is a beautiful initiative because we need to be one again. Nigeria is scattered and if we can use sports, grassroots and the community to stand firm, then Nigeria will be great again.”
George Aluo, Chairman of the NNL, praised 1XBET for revolutionizing grassroots football in Nigeria. Recognizing football’s transformation into a global business, he called on corporate Nigeria to join the cause. Aluo applauded the positive changes in the Nigerian league and stressed the critical role it plays in the success of the national team.
Ewuzie Chigozie Nnnanna, 1XBET Business Development Manager, promised an exhilarating football festival through the 1XBET CUP 2023. He urged Lagosians to support local football with the same fervour reserved for international teams. Nnnanna assured fans of unforgettable experiences, with matches held in professional stadiums and numerous promotions and contests.
Waidi Akanni, 1XBET CUP Consultant, provided insights into the tournament’s inception and 1XBET’s commitment to the initiative. He highlighted the inclusivity of the competition, involving non-league football clubs from all local government areas in Lagos State.
Monday Kanu emphasized the importance of recognizing non-league football clubs and involving them in the sports ecosystem. He praised 1XBET for supporting this initiative, detailing the competition’s unique structure and substantial cash prizes.
“The selection process encompasses all local government areas within Lagos State, ensuring representation from every corner of the region. This extensive competition is divided into five conferences, each featuring eight teams, resulting in a total of 40 teams vying for glory. The tournament is scheduled to span six exciting weeks, kicking off on October 3rd, 2023.
Remarkably, this initiative allocates an unprecedented sum to grassroots prizes, with the victor set to claim a substantial 1 million Naira reward. The second-place team will receive 500,000 Naira, while the third-place finisher earns 300,000 Naira. Additionally, there are cash prizes ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 Naira for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Goalkeeper, and the Best Team of the Tournament.
Notably, the tournament trophy is a finely crafted Italian project, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in this competition. We extend a warm invitation to all members of the press to join us in documenting this thrilling journey, commencing on October 3rd and culminating on November 10th. Our mission extends beyond the field, as we aim to reach every nook and cranny of Lagos State, offering young talent the opportunity to engage in sports. As we understand, sports remains a powerful force for unity and youth development, aligning perfectly with our core values at 1XBET.”
Victor Akinmoyo presented an initial overview of the tournament’s draw groupings and fixtures, promising the complete fixture list soon.
The grand unveiling of the tournament trophy added a touch of grandeur to the event, eliciting excitement from the attendees. Waidi Akanni concluded with a note about the involvement of 40 ex-players as mentors and the generous donation of 500 footballs and bibs to the Lagos FA, emphasizing the community-focused nature of the initiative.
