Five Things We Have Learned From the 2026 Ex-Internationals Cup So Far

The 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup is well into its stride now, and the competition has already told us a great deal about the teams, the players, and the extraordinary tournament structure that makes this event so unique. Here are five things we know for certain.

1. Penalties are a speciality here
The number of shootouts this tournament has produced is remarkable. FC Alloy, FC Okpara, FC Dominic, FC Udeze, FC Oloyede — all of them have needed a penalty shootout to advance at some stage. The mental fortitude required to perform in those moments is extraordinary, and these community players have shown it in abundance.

2. Form can change overnight
FC Ekpo were considered favourites heading into their opening round. FC Ipaye beat them 3-1 on their own turf. This tournament has a remarkable ability to upset expectations, and no side should assume anything going into any fixture.

3. Abubakar Abdullah is the most dangerous forward in the competition
His performances for FC Nieketien have been exceptional — creative, clinical, and apparently unstoppable. The 8-0 aggregate his team produced in the last round is a number that no other attacking player in this tournament can match.

4. The adoption system really works
The connection between the ex-international patrons and their community teams is not just ceremonial. You can see it in the organisation, the tactical discipline, and the hunger these players bring to every match. The legends are genuinely involved, and their communities are better footballers for it.

5. This tournament has found its soul
The Ex-Internationals Cup is in only its second year, but it already feels established. The venues, the communities, the scorelines, the stories — they all add up to something that feels genuinely important for Nigerian football. Whatever happens in the rounds ahead, this competition has already proved its worth.