Jacob Ajom

Lagos, Nigeria — The maiden edition of the 1v1 Africa Football Challenge, spearheaded by Afrobeats star and entrepreneur Mr Eazi, reached a thrilling climax in Lagos as Kosisochukwu Pascal Maduka emerged champion, clinching the ₦10 million grand prize.

The high-energy final, held at Astro Soccer, Ikoyi, drew widespread attention after attracting over 55,000 entries from across Africa, highlighting the continent’s depth of grassroots football talent. From this pool, only 32 players advanced to the live competition, showcasing exceptional one-on-one footballing skill.

Maduka sealed victory in a gripping final, defeating Michael Christopher, who finished as first runner-up and earned ₦5 million. Both finalists displayed remarkable technical ability and composure, embodying the competitive spirit of the 1v1 format.

The competition featured a robust reward system across all stages, with players in the round of 16 receiving ₦250,000 each, quarter-finalists earning ₦500,000, and semi-finalists taking home ₦700,000. Additional bonuses included ₦2.5 million for the second runner-up and special goalkeeper awards, with the top goalkeeper earning ₦1 million for the most clean sheets.

Beyond football, the event delivered a rich blend of sport and entertainment. Afrobeats star Tekno co-hosted the event, bringing vibrant energy to the occasion, while Mr Eazi anchored proceedings and engaged participants and fans alike.

Speaking at the event, Mr Eazi praised the overwhelming participation and talent displayed throughout the competition.

“The talent is out there; we just needed to create the stage for it. To our 32 finalists, you represented yourselves, your families, and Africa with absolute class. This is only the beginning—we are going to do this again, bigger and better,” he said.

The tournament also saw seamless coordination for finalists, ensuring a professional and memorable experience for all participants.

The 1v1 Africa Football Challenge marks a significant step in promoting grassroots football across the continent, providing a platform for emerging talents to gain visibility and financial reward. Organisers say plans are already underway for a bigger and more expansive edition, signaling a new era for football development and sports entertainment in Africa.