Preview: FC Ekpo vs FC Ipaye — The Battle of the Midfield Maestros

When Friday Ekpo and Wasiu Ipaye were playing international football for Nigeria, they were the kind of players fans built entire match-day plans around. Fast, technically gifted, and blessed with the sort of left-footed wizardry that makes defenders look foolish — Ipaye in particular was a special talent.

Now, in the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup, they meet from opposite dugouts. FC Ekpo against FC Ipaye. The midfield maestro against the left-footed wizard. And based on everything we know about both men, this one is going to be competitive from the very first minute.

Ekpo’s side will be playing at home in the first leg, and that advantage matters in a tournament built on community energy. The home crowd, the familiar pitch, the sense of local pride — all of it adds up. But Ipaye’s team will travel with confidence, knowing their patron is one of the most gifted players of his generation.

The pundits have FC Ekpo as slight favourites, but as this tournament has already shown, the form book can be torn up on any given day. Both coaches will be determined to make their mark early and set the tone for the rounds ahead.

Get to the venue early. This one will not disappoint.