FC Babington were crowned champions of the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup after defeating FC Enegwea 3-1 in an entertaining final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Sunday.
Shola Ayomiposi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, calmly finishing to give Babington the advantage before Oladipupo Emmanuel restored parity for Enegwea in the 39th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound.
Babington regained the lead in the 65th minute through Abayomi Ayodeji, who showed composure to round Enegwea goalkeeper Abdul Omotoshi before finding the net.
Substitute Malik Anah sealed the victory seven minutes from full time, capitalising on another defensive error to make it 3-1 and spark celebrations among the Babington players and supporters.
The champions were presented with the trophy and a ₦2.5 million winners’ prize, bringing the curtain down on several weeks of competitive grassroots football organised by the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) under the leadership of Chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, with support from the Bet9ja Foundation. FC Enegwea received ₦1 million as runners-up.
Earlier, FC Okpara claimed third place after beating FC Alloy 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Okpara received ₦500,000, while Alloy were awarded ₦250,000.
The Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup has developed into one of the LSFA’s notable grassroots football initiatives, bringing together former Nigerian internationals, young players and football stakeholders.
The competition featured teams representing 32 former Nigerian internationals, who served as patrons and mentors while their respective teams competed for the title.
Beyond football, the tournament placed a strong emphasis on the welfare of Nigeria’s former internationals. Organisers announced a ₦16 million welfare support package for 32 ex-internationals, underlining the competition’s broader commitment to honouring the country’s football heritage.
The initiative provides a platform for young players to interact with and learn from former stars who helped shape Nigerian football, creating a bridge between the country’s football past and its next generation.
The grand finale attracted several prominent football and government officials, 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, Director-General of the 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, General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps; Ademola Olajire, NFF Director of Communications; and Tola Oronti of the Bet9ja Foundation.
With the support of the Bet9ja Foundation and the coordination of the LSFA, the Ex-Internationals Cup continues to combine competitive grassroots football with mentorship, recognition and welfare—celebrating Nigeria’s football legends while investing in the players who represent the future.
