FC Babington has been declared the champions of the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup following a 3-1 win against FC Enegwea in an exciting final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.
The Babington team celebrated by lifting the prestigious championship trophy and securing the ₦2.5 million winners’ prize during a vibrant presentation ceremony that marked the conclusion of several weeks of competitive football.
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This victory capped off a tournament organized by the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) under the guidance of Chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, with generous support from the Bet9ja Foundation.
More than just a tournament, the Ex-Internationals Cup stands as one of LSFA’s premier grassroots initiatives. It was established to pay tribute to former Nigerian internationals, reconnect them with the communities where their careers began, and provide young players with the opportunity to learn from the legends who once donned the green and white.
This year’s edition included teams associated with 32 former Nigerian internationals. The legends acted as patrons and mentors, while their respective teams competed for victory. The tournament also emphasized welfare, ensuring that the well-being of ex-internationals remained a central focus of the initiative.
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In the earlier third-place match, FC Okpara triumphed over FC Alloy 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time. FC Okpara was awarded ₦500,000, while FC Alloy received ₦250,000.
The final itself was filled with excitement from beginning to end.
Shola Ayomiposi broke the stalemate in the 29th minute, finishing with poise to give Babington a 1-0 lead.
Oladipupo Emmanuel leveled the score for Enegwea in the 39th minute, taking advantage of a rebound after Babington goalkeeper Michael Atata mishandled a shot.
Babington regained their advantage in the 65th minute with a goal from Abayomi Ayodeji, who evaded Enegwea goalkeeper Abdul Omotoshi before finding the net.
Substitute Malik Anah secured the victory in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on another mistake by Omotoshi to extend the lead to 3-1.
Following the final whistle, awards were distributed. The runners-up, FC Enegwea, received ₦1 million.
The champions then lifted the trophy amidst the cheers of their supporters, a moment that embodied the essence of the competition — legends, grassroots players, administrators, and sponsors came together to celebrate football and foster the next generation.
A significant highlight was the welfare initiative. Prior to the final, organizers revealed a ₦16 million support package for 32 former internationals, in addition to the prize money awarded to the teams.
With the support of the Bet9ja Foundation and the coordination of LSFA, the Cup has become a link between Nigeria’s football heritage and its future.
The grand finale attracted a notable array of dignitaries to the MJA, including Hon. Kunle Soname, represented by Adedoyin Ogungbefun, CEO of Remo Stars; Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development; Olalekan Fatodu, DG Lagos State Sports Commission; Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development; Aisha Falode, NFF Executive Board Member; Prince Ifalade Oyekan, GM Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps; Ademola Olajire, NFF Director of Communications; and Tola Oronti from the Bet9ja Foundation.
