Passion met with purpose when Waidi Akanni, ex-international and 1xBet joined forces to reposition the grassroots football development with a United believe that the future of Nigerian football lies in the dusty pitches and open fields where young players chase dreams long before fame or fortune.
That conviction has once again found full expression in the 2025 1xCup Nigeria, a grassroots tournament that has quickly grown into one of the country’s most exciting football showcases.
The second edition, which climaxed on Thursday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, saw Ikorodu City FA crowned champions after a dramatic 1–0 victory over ISAGT FC.
But beyond the scoreline, the real triumph was the vision behind the event one that continues to redefine how grassroots football is organised, celebrated and supported.
Akanni, who represented Nigeria in the late 1980s, has turned his post-playing career into a mission to give back through football.
His passion is unmistakable in every handshake with young players, every word of encouragement to coaches, and every detail that makes the 1xCup more than just a competition. It is, as he often says, “a movement to discover, develop and display talent.”
“The 1xCup has lived up to its aim of discovering new talents,” Akanni said after the final whistle.
“Every year, we see fresh teams reaching the top. None of this year’s semifinalists featured in last year’s final four, which shows how competitive and inclusive it has become.
“Some of the players from past editions are already playing in professional leagues home and abroad,”Akanni said.
Indeed, the 2025 edition was a testament to that inclusivity and depth. Over four months of thrilling football, dozens of amateur clubs from across the state battled for glory, bringing colour and energy to local stadiums.
The tournament’s meticulous organisation and strong community support reflected Akanni and 1xBet commitment to professionalising grassroots football.
Ikorodu City’s unbeaten run to the title embodied the spirit of resilience that defines the competition.
Their journey ended in a tense final against ISAGT FC a match that kept fans on edge from start to finish.
After several missed chances in the first half, Emmanuel Okeh finally broke the deadlock midway through the second half.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Ikorodu City held their nerve to claim the coveted trophy.
Coach Washington Egor of Ikorodu City FA could hardly hide his joy. “I’m very happy because we’ve done a lot of work,” he said.
“This competition is one of the biggest in Nigeria. You can see the atmosphere and the quality.
“It’s great for grassroots football, and if more stakeholders support initiatives like this, it will keep many youths away from the streets.
For the players, the 1xCup offered not just exposure, but also a sense of belonging.
Striker Okiman Oji, who led Ikorodu City’s attack, said: “It’s all about dedication, hard work and focus.
This is a tough competition, but we believed in ourselves and kept pushing. It’s a big step in our careers, and we’ll keep working towards greater opportunities.
The spirit of competition extended to the third place match, where Dosu Joseph FC produced a stunning comeback to beat Nath Boys FA 2–1 and claim the bronze medal.
The team’s display was a reminder of how much the tournament has improved technically and tactically.
Individual brilliance also shone brightly. Uche Emeribe emerged the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, while Abdullahi Suleiman’s agility between the posts earned him the Best Goalkeeper award.
Adewale Quadri was named the Most Valuable Player, and Ikorodu City’s Wellington Egor took home the Best Coach award. Each winner received N300,000 in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
Goalkeeper Suleiman described his award as “a great motivation.
“There were many good goalkeepers in this tournament,” he said.
“Being chosen means a lot. This is just the beginning for me, and I’m determined to go higher.”
In spite of narrowly losing in the final, ISAGT coach Tunde Omoniyi praised the competition’s standard.
“We learned a lot from playing against Ikorodu City.
“They’re an organised side with a good structure. We’ll improve from here and come back stronger,” he said.
From the packed stands at Onikan to the scouts quietly noting names on their pads, the 2025 1xCup reinforced one simple truth Nigeria’s football heartbeat still throbs loudest at the grassroots.
For Akanni, it is proof that passion and purpose can build a legacy far beyond the playing days.
Each edition of the 1xCup writes a new chapter in that legacy one where every young footballer’s dream feels a little closer, and where Nigerian football’s future continues to find its next stars in the most unlikely of places.
As the floodlights dimmed over the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, it wasn’t just Ikorodu City lifting the trophy.
It has been Waidi Akanni’s enduring dream a dream that keeps reshaping the story of grassroots football in Nigeria, one spectacular edition at a time, with a powerful brand like 1xBet the sky is the starting point.
