On November 6, Lagos hosted the 1xCup Awards Night 2026, a prestigious ceremony marking the conclusion of the tournament’s fourth season. Six days after the final, players and coaches gathered once again to learn the names of the top performers and relive the competition’s most memorable moments. In total, the organisers presented 17 awards, recognising not only the best players and managers but also those who officiated the matches, reported on them, and cheered on the teams from the stands.
A night to remember for Young Strikers FC
One of the first stars of the evening was Young Strikers FC founder Waheed Kosoko. He has worked with the team throughout all four seasons of the 1xCup and led it to the final as head coach this year. In recognition of his contributions to grassroots football, Kosoko received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Unfortunately, he could not attend the ceremony in person for health reasons, so a club representative read his message from the stage.
Toward the end of the evening, Young Strikers FC players also received several awards.
Despite losing to Tonic FC in a penalty shootout in the final, the team was named the tournament’s best and took home 300,000 naira in prize money. The top individual award went to its 17-year-old forward, Lawal Muiz. With six goals to his name, he was named the tournament’s MVP, edging out Obiora Sunny of Collins Edwin FC and Yahaya Wasiu of JP Young Stars FC in the voting.
Young Strikers FC goalkeeper Afeez Shittu also received two awards, giving him two reasons to take the stage that evening. In the semi-final against Collins Edwin FC, he made a crucial save to prevent his opponents from equalising. As a result, Young Strikers FC held on to their lead and advanced to the final, while fans voted the moment the Best Save of the Season. In addition, Shittu won the Golden Glove and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Ezeji Ikenna of Ighalo FA, who scored nine goals, won the Golden Boot. Although his team was eliminated in the round of 16, his goal tally remained unmatched.
Three draws, two saves, and Tonic FC’s first title
Abiola Oladipupo was named Best Coach of the Tournament after leading debutants Tonic FC to their first 1xCup title at their first attempt. After recording three draws in the group stage, the Ikorodu-based team went on to win three consecutive knockout matches, each by a 2-1 scoreline.
In the final against Young Strikers FC, neither side managed to score during regulation time. That was when Tonic FC goalkeeper Femi Adegboyega stepped up, saving two penalty kicks while his teammates converted all four of their attempts. Along with the trophy, the first-time participants took home 10 million naira in prize money. The team also received another award thanks to Ipaye Micheal, who was voted the fans’ favourite player.
The bronze medallists, JP Young Stars FC, did not go home empty-handed either. Their incredible comeback in the quarter-final against Inspire SA was named the Best Comeback of the Season. Trailing 3-1, the team fought back and scored a third goal in stoppage time to force a penalty shootout. There, JP Young Stars FC proved more accurate than their opponents, winning 5-4 to advance to the semi-finals.
Inspire SA also walked away with awards, receiving three prizes. In fact, two of those awards came from a single spectacular strike by Agboluaje Fawaz in the match against Dynamic FC. His effort was voted Goal of the Tournament, while a video of the moment, published by the academy, became the season’s most viral post. Inspire SA received its third award thanks to its supporters, who were honoured with the title of 1xCup’s 12th Man.
Voices of the Tournament
Iseuman Iyomon, who entered journalism just two years ago, also received her first professional award. This season, she covered 1xCup matches, filmed short videos, and shared them on social media. Iyomon was nominated for Journalist of the Tournament for the first time, and her debut nomination immediately earned her the award.
The award for Best Media Coverage went to Elite Stars FC, which actively documented its 1xCup journey throughout the season. The club released podcasts and match analyses, helping fans stay up to date with tournament events. In recognition of its engagement with its audience, the team received 250,000 naira in prize money.
The organisers also recognised those who helped make the matches happen. Odufeso Segun, who officiated five games, was named the tournament’s Best Referee, while Wale Joseph, who coordinated the teams and officials, received the award for Best Technical Representative.
From 1xCup to professional football
Nearly 400 applications, 100 teams, more than three months of intense competition, and 20 million naira in prize money — that is how the fourth season of the 1xCup, organised by 1xBet, will be remembered. The tournament once again demonstrated the popularity of grassroots football in Lagos and the number of talented individuals dreaming of making a name for themselves.
However, for many players, participating in the 1xCup can be the beginning of something much bigger. More than 30 participants from previous editions have already progressed into professional football, and some of them even recorded video messages for guests at the ceremony. Their stories, better than any words, demonstrate the opportunities that lie ahead for talented young players.
Now, future participants have another source of inspiration. In just one season, Tonic FC went from newcomers to champions, proving that even a first-time participant can achieve the highest level of success.
The fourth edition of the 1xCup has come to a close, but more teams, discoveries, and stories are on the horizon. The next chapter is set to begin as early as 2027.
Link: https://1xcup.ng/gallery
