1xCup has appointed Dimeji Adedapo to lead preparations for its 2026 season, with ambitious plans to expand the grassroots football tournament across Nigeria. The tournament is actively preparing for the start of its fourth season, promising new thrills, exciting matchups, and unexpected twists for fans.
New Leadership for a Growing Tournament
Dimeji Adedapo has been appointed as the main driver of the upcoming changes, taking on a key leadership role to oversee preparations for the 1xCup 2026. With over a decade of experience in telecommunications, financial, and iGaming sectors, Adedapo has spent the last two years as part of the 1xCup organizing team. His extensive background in customer service and commitment to building long-term partnerships will be instrumental in supporting players and expanding the tournament's reach.
Transition from Waidi Akanni
Adedapo assumes the role from Waidi Akanni, who is stepping into a new position after making significant contributions to the tournament's growth and helping many talented players reach their potential. The legendary former footballer and executive will remain with 1xCup as technical director, continuing to support Nigerian football.
Adedapo praised his predecessor's work, noting that the traditions established by Waidi Akanni will remain a key element of the project's strategic development. "I want to make the 1xCup the number one grassroots tournament in Nigeria," says Dimeji Adedapo, a man who knows the tournament inside out and is deeply involved in Nigeria's football scene.
Plans for National Expansion
Speaking about his plans, Adedapo emphasized the importance of developing the project. "We are committed to the steady development of the tournament: improving the quality of its organization year after year, ensuring the project's sustainable growth, and eventually taking the 1xCup to the national level so that teams from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria can take part."
In recent years, 1xCup has become an effective platform for promoting talented footballers. More than 30 players who competed in the amateur tournament have made their professional debuts in Nigeria and other African leagues, with some even testing their skills in European leagues. Adedapo plans to build on this success by implementing key changes to make the tournament more spectacular and attract new sponsors, ensuring that every Nigerian football talent gets a chance to prove themselves.
Preparations for the Fourth Season
Preparations for the fourth season of the 1xCup are in full swing. The start of the registration period will be announced very soon, and changes to the tournament format are also planned, making it even more exciting and unpredictable. The tournament's grassroots focus remains central to its mission of discovering and nurturing football talent across Nigeria.
