The draws for the annual 1XBET football competition which starts on August 12 took place on Wednesday at a colourful ceremony held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja.
A total of 450 teams registered for the competition after which the technical body picked 64 teams that were later further reduced through two knock out preliminary games to 16 for the event which has N20m as the prize for the winner.
Four best teams from the last edition were added to make the 20 that were unveiled to the public on Wednesday.
Tournament Director and ex-international, Waidi Akanni, said he was elated with the responses from various parts of the country for a tournament just in its 3rd edition.
“I am so excited. It was a tough task picking the eventual qualifiers for the draw. We apologise to those who did not make it and we urge them to try again next year.
“We thank 1XBET for creating this excitement for grassroots teams and other top teams as well. We are going to have an exciting time this year.”
The Country Manager of 1XBET, Geraldine Ibeanusi gave kudos to the organising team of the tournament led by ex-International, Akanni, for doing a great job.
“We are happy and also optimistic that the competition will be bigger and better with every edition,” she said.
In the draw conducted by Akanni with the assistance of sports presenter and analyst, Segun Agbede, Community Gunners FC were drawn to play in Group A along with 36 Lions FC, Colin Edwin FC, Africano FC and Nath Boys FC while Ikorodu City leads the teams in Group B which also has Emaljus FC, G-Innovation FC, Young Strikers FC and ECAS FC.
Group C of the draw has Emiloju FC, Joseph Dosu FC, Utility Sports FC, Soccer Cardinals FC and ISGAT FC just as defending champions Bethel Sporting are the top team in Group D along with Divine Praise FC, Brighton FC, Vinno Energy and Inspire Sports Academy.
Many top ex-internationals were present at the event. Victor Agali, Godwin Opara, Fatai Amao and Wasiu Ipaye were some of those present.
The group games will start at the Inspire Sports Academy on August 12 while the final match will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on October 16.
