FC Babington have been crowned champions of the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup after defeating FC Enegwea 3–1 in an entertaining final, before proudly lifting the giant championship trophy and collecting the ₦2.5 million winners’ prize at the presentation ceremony.
The triumph brought a fitting conclusion to a competition organised by the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) under the leadership of Chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, with the backing of the Bet9ja Foundation.
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The Ex-Internationals Cup is one of the LSFA’s most distinctive grassroots football initiatives, created to honour former Nigerian internationals, reconnect them with the communities where their football journeys began and provide young players with opportunities to compete and benefit from the experience of former stars.
The 2026 edition brought together teams associated with 32 former Nigerian internationals, with the legends serving as patrons and mentors while their adopted clubs battled for the championship. The competition also carried a strong welfare component for the former players, making it about considerably more than the final trophy.
But when the battle for the title finally arrived, it was Babington who produced the winning performance.
FC Babington took the lead in the 29th minute when Shola Ayomiposi showed impressive composure to finish his opportunity and put his side 1–0 ahead.
Enegwea responded ten minutes later.
In the 39th minute, Oladipupo Emmanuel pounced after FC Babington goalkeeper Michael Atata spilled the ball, striking the loose ball into the net to restore parity.
The equaliser changed the complexion of the contest, with both sides going into the second half knowing that the championship remained firmly up for grabs.
Babington regained control in the 65th minute through Abayomi Ayodeji.
The forward fended off Enegwea goalkeeper Abdul Omotoshi before firing the ball into the net. After the earlier uncertainty surrounding one of his efforts, there was no controversy this time — the goal stood and Babington were back in front at 2–1.
Enegwea pushed for another equaliser, but Babington delivered the decisive blow seven minutes from full time.
In the 83rd minute, substitute Malik Anah capitalised on another costly goalkeeping error, reacting quickest after Omotoshi spilled the ball before firing into the back of the net.
At 3–1, Babington were firmly in command.
They held their advantage until the final whistle, sparking jubilant celebrations from the players, officials and supporters who had followed their remarkable run through the competition.
Babington’s road to the final had already demonstrated their championship credentials. They overwhelmed FC Giwa 9–0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals before edging FC Alloy 4–3 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Enegwea also enjoyed an impressive route to the championship match, overcoming FC Okpara 7–4 on aggregate in their semi-final to set up the final showdown.
But on the biggest day, Babington had the final word.
The victory was followed by a colourful presentation ceremony, with the champions presented with the giant Ex-Internationals Cup trophy and the ₦2.5 million cash prize reserved for the winners.
The scene provided a powerful image of what the competition has set out to achieve — former football stars, grassroots players, administrators and sponsors coming together to celebrate the game and create a platform for the next generation.
For LSFA Chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, the success of the tournament represents another step in the association’s determination to ensure that Nigeria’s football legends remain connected to the sport while helping develop grassroots football.
The initiative has also placed considerable emphasis on the welfare of former internationals. Ahead of the finale, organisers announced a ₦16 million package for 32 ex-internationals, alongside the prize money for the competing teams.
With the Bet9ja Foundation providing major support and the LSFA providing the organisational framework, the competition has developed into a meeting point between Nigeria’s football past and its future.
And FC Babington now have the distinction of being the side to lift the giant trophy at the end of the 2026 edition.
Three goals, one memorable final and ₦2.5 million in prize money — FC Babington are the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup champions.
