2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup: Everything You Need to Know

It is back. And this time, it is bigger.

The 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup — the second edition of what is quickly becoming one of Lagos State’s most beloved football events — is set to light up communities across the city with football, nostalgia, and the kind of passion that only legends can bring.

Organised by the Lagos State Football Association under the chairmanship of Gafar Liameed, the tournament brings together 32 of Nigeria’s most celebrated former international players, each of whom has adopted a community team to mentor, coach, and inspire.

The format is simple but deeply meaningful. Every ex-international becomes a patron — a bridge between the golden era of Nigerian football and the next generation trying to find their own path in the game. The matches are played on a home-and-away basis, deliberately designed to take football back into the communities that first shaped these legends.

Names like Victor Ikpeba, Joseph Dosu, Victor Agali, Wasiu Ipaye, Friday Ekpo, Waidi Akanni, Shakiru Giwa, Loveday Omoruyi, and Clement Temile are all involved — a roll call that would make any Nigerian football fan stop and smile. These are players who wore the green-and-white with distinction. Now they are wearing the colours of their communities.

Backed by ₦40 million from the Bet9ja Foundation, the 2026 edition promises an elevated experience across the board. Defending champions FC Nwosu return to protect their title, and the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever.

Fixtures have been confirmed. The draw has been made. The legends are ready. Nigerian football’s most exciting grassroots tournament is about to begin.