The pitch is at its highest decibels, and the pace is at its fastest. In the next 24 hours, football fans, enthusiasts, and stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the commencement of the 1XCup 2024 in Lagos.
The real battle for the eye-popping N20m prize money begins Monday, promising an electrifying competition.
The sponsors, 1XBET, along with premier sports event managers, Match International Limited, have meticulously planned to deliver another top-class and unprecedented grassroots football championship.
According to the event’s chief coordinator, Engr. Waidi Akanni, “Arrangements have been concluded to ensure a top-class organization, exciting, entertaining, peaceful, and secured football championship.”
This year’s competition will feature 20 teams that have undergone rigorous football tests to earn their place in Nigeria’s largest grassroots football event.
Divided into four groups of five teams each, the winners of each group will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals. The second and third-placed teams in each group will face off in a playoff for the remaining quarter-final spots.
To elevate the championship’s quality, 1XBET, in conjunction with the organizers, has established several committees dedicated to ensuring the smooth execution of the event. These committees are responsible for individual prizes awarded at every match for outstanding players and coaches, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Teams have been rigorously preparing, engaging in pre-championship matches to ensure peak performance ahead of the group stage. The coaches of various teams have exuded confidence, with the head coach of defending champions SB LFC, Barrister Ayo Julius, stating, “We’re ready and determined to defend our title. We’re poised to go all the way, with our unique brand of football, called ‘Ramba-Samba.'”
Last year’s finalists, Ighalo FC, have also expressed their determination to secure the title and the N20m grand prize this year. The competition’s format promises intense and unpredictable matches, as each team vies for the ultimate honor.
The 1XCup 2024 is not just a football tournament but a celebration of grassroots talent and the passion that drives the sport in Nigeria. As the countdown ticks down, the excitement is palpable, and Lagos is set to witness a football spectacle like no other.
With the meticulous planning and commitment from all stakeholders, the 1XCup 2024 is poised to be a landmark event in the Nigerian football calendar.
