The Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup reaches its climax this Sunday, 23 August, with football legends, fans and dignitaries set to gather at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, for a finale celebrating Nigerian football’s rich history and the enduring impact of its former stars.
Two headline matches will bring the tournament to a fitting conclusion.
The third-place play-off between FC Okpara and FC Alloy kicks off at 12pm, before FC Babington face FC Enegwea in the final at 3pm.
Beyond the competition for silverware, the tournament offers a reunion with some of the men who helped shape Nigerian football across generations.
FC Babington is led by former Nigerian goalkeeper Bode Babington, who featured for Stationery Stores FC and Julius Berger FC and represented Nigeria at youth international level, including the 1995 Africa Youth Championship.
Their final opponents, FC Enegwea, are mentored by Taiwo Enegwea, a product of Lagos grassroots football who played for Lagos YSFON, Eagle Oil, First Bank and Union Bank before representing Nigeria at U17, U20 and senior international levels.
In the third-place contest, FC Alloy carries the name of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloy Agu, a member of Nigeria’s golden generation. Agu represented Nigeria at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and was part of the squad at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He also played in Nigeria and Belgium before moving into coaching, including a spell as a Super Eagles goalkeepers’ coach.
FC Okpara honours former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara, who enjoyed a distinguished European career with Paris Saint-Germain and RC Strasbourg. Renowned for his strength, versatility and consistency, Okpara earned international recognition with Nigeria and has remained involved in football and community development.
But the Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup is about more than goals, trophies and nostalgia.
At its heart is a commitment to supporting former Nigerian internationals through welfare initiatives, medical assistance and mentorship opportunities for young footballers.
As the final whistle approaches, the tournament once again highlights an important message: the legends who gave Nigerian football some of its greatest memories can still make a difference to the game and the next generation.
Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup, is where football history meets purpose, legacy and impact.
