The ongoing maiden edition of 2023 1XBET Cup Championship is gradually gathering momentum, as finalists have emerged from the  Lagos Island Conference. It would be a titanic battle between Panthers FC who came tops in group A and Young Strikers FC, who led group B, as they clash tomorrow for the conference's sole ticket at the Hilario Campos Mini-stadium, Lagos. 

Expectedly, matches have continued to attract encouraging remarks from some retired Nigerian international players, who have been regular guests at the matches played across the five conferences of the championship. 

Former captain of defunct Abiola Babes Tajudeen Disu has been waxing lyrically about the standard of play, discipline and determination of players and officials during matches of the championship. 

"I'm very much impressed about the standards of play and the discipline levels of both players and officials. This country is indeed, blessed with so many talented young players and it's exciting to know that grassroots football is alive again in Lagos State," Disu, who is the technical director of Lagos State Football Association remarked. 

Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Agali, commended the sponsors and organisers of the 1XBET Cup for giving fresher hopes to non-league players, as well as, taking grassroots football to newer heights. 

"Thanks to the sponsors and organisers of this grassroots football championship. Players and officials at the grassroots levels are now excited because grassroots football back and alive, thanks to 1XBET and of course, the organisers, Match International Limited, for this well packaged and organised championship. 

Several other ex-Nigeria international players including, Taiwo Oloyede, Edema Benson, Michael Dominic, Monday Kanu, David Apelete Dosu, Jide Oloyede, Jide Oguntuase and others, admonish corporate organisations to join the fray in grassroots football development.