1xBet Cup 2024: Organisers hold draw as tournament reaches group stage

The 2024 Community Cup has advanced to the group stage, following the completion of the draw ceremony for the 20 football teams that qualified for the playoffs.

The draw, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, saw the teams divided into four groups. The group winners will automatically advance to the quarterfinals, while teams finishing in second and third positions will face off in knockout matches for the remaining quarterfinal spots.

Group A consists of FC Bethel, G12 FA, 11 FA, Gunners Link FC, and Wasola FC. Defending champions Somolu/Bariga FC lead Group B, alongside Collins Edwin FC, Team360 FC, Dosu FA, and Ilupeju Pillars. Group C features Odion Ighalo FC, Young Strikers, Emiloju FC, Emajus FC, and Ikorodu Eagles FA, while Group D includes 36 Lion FA, Dominion Hotspur FC, Diadem Stallion FC, Royalty FC, and China Sunstars FC.

The Tournament Director, Waheed Akanni, noted that out of nearly 200 teams, 20 advanced to the group stage. Ten teams received a bye last year based on their ranking in the Lagos grassroots community, while the remaining 10 emerged from a knockout series. Akanni highlighted that the competition will intensify as it enters the group stage, with tougher matches ahead.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on August 5, 2024, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. As the competition progresses, the organizing committee and match officials have been praised for their efforts during the playoffs, with an emphasis on maintaining fairness as the tournament heats up. Club representatives present at the draw expressed satisfaction with the process and called for a level playing field for all teams.