Adeboye praises 2026 Ex-Internationals Cup after 3-1 final

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye has praised the 2026 Bet9ja Foundation Ex-Internationals Cup for linking Nigeria’s former internationals with emerging grassroots players. His comments came after FC Babington defeated FC Enegwea 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy and a ₦2.5 million winners’ prize.

Adeboye attended the final and trophy presentation organised by the Lagos State Football Association and the Bet9ja Foundation. He said the importance of the competition extended beyond Babington’s victory because it brought the country’s football history into direct contact with its next generation of players.

The tournament featured teams connected to 32 former Nigerian internationals. Those legends were involved as patrons, mentors and role models, while the competition also included a welfare package for them. Adeboye said their contribution to Nigerian football should remain recognised after they represented the country and influenced those who followed.

He identified the interaction between the ex-internationals and the young footballers as a key feature of the event. In his view, grassroots development requires more than playing facilities and matches; it should also provide a way for experience and knowledge to move from older generations to new players.

Adeboye credited LSFA chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed and the Bet9ja Foundation with maintaining an initiative that combines player discovery, football heritage and support for former players. He also congratulated Enegwea for their effort in the final and praised all participating clubs for their contribution to the tournament.

The presidential aide said the competition fits the Federal Government’s aim of creating stronger routes into sport for young Nigerians. He called for closer work between government, football authorities, private partners and ex-internationals so similar grassroots competitions can be developed beyond Lagos. The 2026 edition ended with Babington as champions, while the organisers’ wider model placed talent development alongside mentorship and the recognition of Nigeria’s football legends.