Round of 16 Preview: Eight Ties That Could Define the 2026 Ex-Internationals Cup

The group-stage drama is over. The knockout rounds have arrived. And as eight ties take shape in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup, the competition is entering the phase where reputations are made and legends are cemented.

Here is what to watch as the last 16 gets underway.

FC Ipaye vs FC Ogunlade — The first leg gave Ipaye a slender 1-0 advantage through Waheed Jimoh’s goal. Ogunlade will need to come out fighting in the return fixture, and Ipaye’s organisation will be tested to its limits.

FC Alloy — Already through in extraordinary fashion. Tobi Amidu’s brace and a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over FC Ayila sends Alloy through on the back of pure will and quality from Ipaja.

FC Odiaka — The 3-0 second-leg victory and 3-1 aggregate made FC Odiaka’s progression comfortable. Ishola Junior Olaitan and Lekan James will be forces to be reckoned with in the next round.

FC Nieketien — An 8-0 aggregate. Abubakar Abdullah with two goals in the second leg. The competition’s most dominant side so far, and they look like genuine title contenders.

FC Omoruyi — A controlled 1-1 draw was enough. A 2-1 aggregate sees them through, a disciplined and tactically smart team moving quietly through the draw.

FC Okpara — After an extraordinary 4-2 penalty victory over FC Agbai, Alo Deji’s performances from the spot have made this team one of the most exciting stories of the round.

FC Dominic — Penalty heroes themselves, winning 6-5 in a shootout against FC Akanni after Orize David’s breathtaking moment of awareness changed the entire tie.

FC Obafemi — Five goals at Surulere against Atine. Five different scorers. This team is in form, and they know it.

The Round of 16 has everything. Do not miss a match.