The application window for the highly anticipated 1xCup 2025 football tournament opens today, June 2, offering amateur football teams in Lagos State the opportunity to compete for a massive N20 million prize pool.
Global bookmaker 1xBet, the tournament organizer, has announced significant expansions for this third edition, increasing the number of participating teams to 64—24 more than last year's competition.
Tournament Structure and Timeline
The tournament will kick off in July with the group stage, followed by playoff rounds, and will culminate in the final match on October 9. Teams interested in participating must submit their applications between June 2 and June 22, with the complete list of participants to be announced on July 3.
Only football clubs based in Lagos State are eligible to register, and all players must be at least 18 years old. Applications can be submitted through the official tournament website at https://1xcup.ng/.
Impressive Prize Structure
The champion team will receive N10 million—half of the total prize pool. Additionally, individual awards will recognize the tournament's top scorer, MVP, best goalkeeper, best coach, and fan favorite. The player who scores the tournament's best goal will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December 2025 with Bi Benard.
Growing Tournament Legacy
The 1xCup has grown significantly since its inception. In 2023, Bariga FC claimed the inaugural title, winning N1 million after outperforming over 40 teams. By 2024, the prize pool had increased twentyfold to N20 million, with FC Bethel Sporting taking home the N10 million top prize.
The tournament has already produced professional talent, with 2024's top scorer Nwanna Okechukwu securing a professional contract with Ikorodu City following his standout performance.
Last year's competition attracted over 160 applications for just 40 spots, demonstrating the tournament's growing popularity and significance in Nigerian football culture.
"1xCup has become a tradition that teams from all over Nigeria aspire to. We are excited to open the doors again to new heroes," said a representative from the 1xBet press office.
The organizers emphasize that 1xCup is more than just a competition—it's about sportsmanship, community unification, and providing opportunities for amateur players to showcase their talents on a significant platform.
