1xBet, Waheed Akanni Present Football Tournament Proposal to LSLGA

In a significant move to reignite grassroots football development in Nigeria, leading global betting brand 1XBet, in the company of former Nigerian international footballer Waheed Akanni, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) to present their proposal for the 1XCup Tournament — an initiative aimed at rekindling the spirit of community football and discovering Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.

The visiting team, led by senior executives of 1XBet, shared with the LSLGA the overarching vision behind the tournament: to revive the culture of street and community football, create platforms for young talents to be scouted, and ultimately contribute to the development of football at the grassroots level in Nigeria. The 1XCup, they explained, is more than just a competition — it is a legacy project designed to showcase raw talent, provide structure and visibility for local players, and pave the way for international opportunities.

Akanni, a revered figure in Nigerian football and a passionate advocate for youth development, expressed his excitement at the prospect of the tournament, stating:

“Some of Nigeria’s greatest footballers emerged from community pitches. The 1XCup is a golden opportunity to rebuild that pipeline and put Nigeria back on the map for grassroots talent,” said Akanni. “This is about giving back to the game and to the country.”

The LSLGA welcomed the initiative, commending 1XBet’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development. It emphasised that such collaborative efforts align with the state’s broader agenda of using sports as a vehicle for social transformation, community engagement, and economic inclusion.

Mr. Bashir Are, Chief Executive Officer of LSLGA, said, “We are encouraged by the vision behind the 1XCup. As a regulatory agency, we are committed to supporting projects that contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria at large, especially initiatives that combine corporate responsibility with youth upliftment.”

The 1XBet Cup is expected to kick off later this year, with regional qualifiers planned across local government areas in Lagos before advancing to a citywide championship.

The tournament is anticipated to draw scouts, club representatives, and football stakeholders from across the country, offering a real-time showcase of Nigeria’s emerging talent.

With the support of respected institutions like LSLGA and industry icons like Waheed Akanni, the 1XCup is poised to become a cornerstone in Nigeria’s football ecosystem — bridging the gap between community football and global opportunities, and reigniting national pride through the beautiful game.