Tonic FC and Young Strikers FC were among the major winners at the 1xCup Awards Night in Lagos on November 6, as organisers presented 17 awards to outstanding performers from the tournament’s fourth edition.
The ceremony, held six days after the final, recognised players, coaches, match officials, journalists and supporters.
It rounded off a season that featured 100 teams, more than three months of competition and N20m in prize money.
Tonic FC coach Abiola Oladipupo was named Coach of the Tournament after guiding the debutants to the title, while Young Strikers’ 17-year-old forward, Lawal Muiz, won the Most Valuable Player award.
Muiz, who scored six goals, beat Collins Edwin FC’s Obiora Sunny and JP Young Stars FC’s Yahaya Wasiu to the award.
Despite losing the final to Tonic FC on penalties, Young Strikers were named Team of the Tournament, receiving N300,000.
Their goalkeeper, Afeez Shittu, claimed the Golden Glove and a place in the Team of the Tournament. He also won the fans’ vote for Save of the Season for a crucial stop against Collins Edwin in the semi-finals, which preserved Young Strikers’ lead and helped secure their place in the final.
Ighalo FA striker Ezeji Ikenna won the Golden Boot with nine goals, a tally no other player matched despite his side’s exit in the round of 16.
Debutants claim title
Tonic FC’s title-winning campaign earned them the trophy and N10m, with Oladipupo recognised for leading the Ikorodu side to success at their first attempt.
After drawing all three group-stage matches, Tonic won three successive knockout games by 2–1 scorelines to reach the final.
The title decider against Young Strikers ended goalless in regulation time before goalkeeper Femi Adegboyega saved two penalties in the shoot-out. His teammates converted all four of their kicks to seal victory.
Tonic’s Ipaye Micheal also won the fans’ favourite player award.
Bronze medallists JP Young Stars claimed the Best Comeback award for their quarter-final victory over Inspire SA. Trailing 3–1, they fought back to equalise in stoppage time before winning the penalty shoot-out 5–4.
Inspire SA collected three awards, two of them stemming from Agboluaje Fawaz’s strike against Dynamic FC. The effort was voted Goal of the Tournament, while the academy’s video of the goal won the award for the season’s most viral post.
The academy’s supporters earned its third honour, the 1xCup’s 12th Man award.
Young Strikers founder honoured
Young Strikers founder Waheed Kosoko received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to grassroots football.
Kosoko, who has worked with the club across all four editions of the competition, led the team to this year’s final as head coach.
He was unable to attend the ceremony for health reasons, and a club representative read his message to guests.
Journalists, officials recognised
Iseuman Iyomon was named Journalist of the Tournament, securing her first professional award two years after entering journalism.
Iyomon, a first-time nominee, covered matches, produced short videos and shared tournament content on social media.
Elite Stars FC won the award for best media coverage and received N250,000 for documenting their campaign through podcasts and match analyses.
Odufeso Segun, who officiated five matches, was named Referee of the Tournament, while Wale Joseph received the Best Technical Representative award for coordinating teams and officials.
Pathway to professional football
Organised by 1xBet, the fourth edition of the 1xCup attracted nearly 400 applications, with 100 teams taking part.
Beyond the prizes, the competition offered players an opportunity to showcase their talent and pursue careers in professional football.
More than 30 participants from previous editions have progressed to the professional game, with some sending video messages played to guests at the ceremony.
The next edition is scheduled for 2027.
