The SSA to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, today welcomed officials of 1xBet Nigeria and the 1xCup Nigeria organizing team to his office in Abuja as they officially presented the trophy ahead of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
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The delegation included Ms. Geraldine Ibeanusi, Managing Director of Beaufortbet Nigeria Limited (1xBet Nigeria); Mr. Waidi Akanni, Ex-International and Technical Director of 1xCup Nigeria; Mr. Adedapo Dimeji, General Manager of 1xCup Nigeria; and Mr. JJ Akanji, among other officials.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration towards grassroots football development and promoting wider private sector participation in Nigerian sports.
Speaking during the presentation, former Super Eagles star and Technical Director of 1xCup Nigeria, Waidi Akanni, described it as a great honour to visit the SSA’s office, noting that the office represents one of the strongest platforms for grassroots sports recognition and development in Nigeria.
“It is a great honour for us to visit the SSA today because his office represents the number one grassroots sports recognition platform in the country.
We felt we needed to do something different this year, and that is why we came for the endorsement and support of the SSA.”
Akanni further praised the efforts of the SSA in promoting youth development, talent discovery, and sports engagement across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye appreciated the delegation for the visit and commended 1xBet Nigeria for its continued contributions toward grassroots football development in the country.
“My office is always ready to work with individuals and organizations genuinely committed to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria.
We appreciate what 1xBet Nigeria has done so far, and we encourage more corporate organizations to invest in sports development across the country.”
The SSA also revealed that his office has several upcoming projects and programmes aimed at expanding opportunities for young athletes and strengthening grassroots sports structures nationwide.
“We have many initiatives, projects, and events lined up towards grassroots sports development, youth engagement, and talent discovery. Partnerships like this are important to achieving sustainable sports growth.”
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Beaufortbet Nigeria Limited, Ms. Geraldine Ibeanusi, expressed appreciation for the warm reception received from the SSA and his team.
“I am truly overwhelmed by the way the SSA welcomed and received us today. This clearly shows his passion and commitment towards grassroots sports development.
We are fully ready to continue partnering with the office of the SSA on future projects and sporting initiatives.”
The meeting further highlighted the growing importance of public-private partnerships in advancing sports development, talent nurturing, and youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
