The organisers of the 1XCUP have unveiled a new community-based format for the 2026 edition, with registration officially opening on June 1.
The tournament’s Technical Director, Waidi Akanni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.
Akanni said the competition would adopt the traditional Lagos ‘IBILE’ structure to strengthen grassroots football development and increase community participation across the state.
He explained that the 2026 tournament would run from July to October and feature teams competing within Lagos’ five traditional divisions.
The report states that the divisions are Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe.
Akanni said the restructuring was designed to reduce travel stress and financial burdens usually experienced by amateur football clubs during statewide competitions.
He added that the new arrangement would also deepen local rivalries and improve fan engagement at community level.
“Under the new format, participating teams will compete within the five traditional divisions of Lagos State, popularly known as IBILE.
“The zoning system will help eliminate the logistical and financial difficulties often faced by amateur clubs during statewide competitions.
“It will also create intense local rivalries capable of attracting stronger fan engagement,” he said.
Akanni said the revised structure reflected the organisers’ commitment to building a more organised and talent-driven grassroots competition.
He noted that the tournament had continued to grow into one of Nigeria’s leading grassroots football platforms for discovering emerging talents.
Former international winger, Dimeji Lawal, will serve as the tournament’s General Manager for the 2026 edition.
Akanni revealed that more than 100 grassroots clubs were expected to participate during the qualifying stages of the competition.
He said 24 teams would eventually progress from the divisional rounds into six groups for the main tournament phase.
According to him, the knockout rounds will begin after the completion of the group stage matches.
Akanni also announced a ₦20 million prize pool for the 2026 edition, describing it as one of the country’s biggest grassroots football rewards.
“The competition is expected to attract over 100 grassroots clubs during the qualifying stages.
“At the end of the divisional rounds, 24 teams will advance into six groups for the main tournament phase before the knockout rounds commence.
“The 2026 edition will feature a ₦20 million prize pool, making it one of the most lucrative grassroots football tournaments in the country,” he said.
Akanni stressed that the competition would maintain its strict grassroots identity by barring professional league players from participating.
He said the decision was necessary to ensure undiscovered local players gained adequate exposure and development opportunities.
“A major highlight of the competition remains its strict grassroots focus, with professional league players barred from participation.
“This is to ensure undiscovered local talents receive maximum exposure,” he said.
Akanni added that the introduction of the IBILE model would help combine football development with stronger community identity across Lagos State.
“With the introduction of the IBILE model, the 1XCUP hopes to blend football development with community identity.
“It will create a tournament that celebrates competition and the rich football culture across Lagos State,” he said.