1xCup 2026 final holds today in Oshodi as Young Strikers face Tonic FC
- Young Strikers FC and Tonic FC meet in the 1xCup 2026 final at Inspire Sport Arena, Oshodi, Lagos today.
- The grassroots tournament ran over three months with 100 Lagos clubs chasing a ₦20 million prize pool.
- Odion Ighalo, Lagos sports chief Lekan Fatodu and CP Tijani Fatai are listed as special guests.
After more than three months of competition among 100 Lagos clubs, the 1xCup 2026 final holds today at the Inspire Sport Arena in Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos, with a ₦20 million prize pool at stake.
Young Strikers FC, known to fans as the Future Builders, will face Tonic FC, the Fintech Club, in the final at 2pm. The third-place match between Collins Edwin SC and JP Young Stars FC kicks off at 11am, according to former Nigerian international Waidi Akanni.
The tournament is a grassroots competition that scouts from professional clubs have been watching, and organisers see it as a route for young Lagos players towards professional football.
How the two finalists got here
Young Strikers, from Lagos Island, have scored 21 goals in eight games, one of the best records in the tournament. Coached by Waheed Kosoko, they beat Peace FC and Africano FC in the qualifiers, topped their group and then knocked out Dynamic FC, Emiloju and Collins Edwin SC, who were among the favourites this season.
Forward Lawal Muiz has six goals and two assists in seven games, with two MVP awards, while midfielder Atanda Fuhad has five assists, one goal and one MVP award. The club has played in all four seasons of the tournament and reached the semi-finals in 2023.
Tonic FC's run has been less straightforward. Oladipupo Abiola's side won both qualifiers on penalties against Agbede Supreme FC and Vino Gano, then drew three group games before improving in the knockout rounds. They beat 36 Lion FC in the round of 16, Joy Cometh FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals and JP Young Stars in the semi-finals.
In the bronze match, Collins Edwin SC, the Gladiators, carry the tournament's best attack with 22 goals in eight games and are chasing the ₦3 million third-place prize. Goalkeeper Chidera Maduka is in the running for the Golden Glove, while defender Ejiofor Morgan and midfielder Adedayo Ibrahim could be shortlisted for the MVP award. Forward Obiora Sunny has six goals and five assists in eight matches.
JP Young Stars, the Eagles, are not to be taken lightly. They came back from 3-1 down against Inspire SA to level within 10 minutes and won on penalties.
Who will be watching
Former Watford and Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo is listed as a leading guest. Ighalo, who also played for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, started his football on the streets of Lagos.
Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, is also expected, along with Tijani Fatai, the 42nd Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, who is listed as a guest at the community-focused event.
Fans can attend in person or follow the matches on the tournament's YouTube live stream.
