Flood of Appreciation Flows as 2026 Bet9ja Ex-Internationals Cup Ends in Lagos
Former Nigerian internationals have showered encomiums on Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Gafar Liameed, and Bet9ja Foundation following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Ex-International Football Competition in Lagos.
The tournament, sponsored by the Bet9ja Foundation, provided former football stars with an opportunity to reconnect, compete, celebrate their careers and enjoy renewed support from the football community.
In a series of messages following the grand finale of the competition won by Babington FC on Sunday, several ex-internationals and football stakeholders praised the Lagos State Football Association Chairman, El Hadji Gafar Liameed.
Encomiun was showered on El Hadji Gafar Liameed for they described as an uncommon initiative aimed at honouring and supporting players who contributed to Nigerian football during their playing careers.
Former international Bode Babington commended the organisers for reviving memories of their playing days, describing the competition as a welcome initiative that brought the former stars together once again.
He also praised Liameed and former international Waheed Akanni for their contributions to the success of the event.
Another former international, Efe Ganagana, described the tournament as a demonstration of exceptional leadership and commitment to football development, while praying for greater success for the Lagos FA chairman.
The appreciation extended beyond the participating players, with several stakeholders describing Liameed’s intervention as a significant gesture towards Nigerian football legends.
Abiodun ObsFemi praised the chairman for consistently taking responsibility for the welfare of others, while Babajide Oguntuase said Liameed’s name would be “written in gold” in the history of Nigerian football for the initiative.
Former international Loveday Omoruyi also expressed gratitude to the sponsors, organisers, officials and volunteers who contributed to the success of the competition.
Meanwhile, S. Steven Degboe described Liameed as a major pillar of football in Lagos and commended the Bet9ja Foundation for sponsoring the Legends of Lagos State Ex-International Cup.
Degboe, however, used the occasion to appeal to the Lagos FA chairman to extend similar welfare initiatives to grassroots coaches, many of whom have dedicated years to developing young footballers without adequate recognition or support.
Coach Rafiu Olorunmbe also urged former internationals to embrace opportunities that enable them to remain actively involved in football after their playing careers.
He described the competition as more than a tournament, saying it promoted unity among former players while creating opportunities for them to reconnect and contribute their experience to the development of Nigerian football.
He further stressed that football should be viewed not only as a sport but also as a business, encouraging former internationals to invest their knowledge, influence and resources back into the game.
Gafar Liameed Thanks Bet9ja Foundation
In his own reaction, Alhaji Gafar Liameed expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Kunle Soname and the entire Bet9ja Foundation for their support towards the competition.
Liameed, who described himself as waking up “smiling” after the successful tournament, also congratulated the winners Babington FC.
The widespread messages of appreciation underline the impact of the competition beyond the football pitch, with participants and stakeholders highlighting its role in honouring Nigeria’s former football stars and strengthening the relationship between the legends and the wider football community.
With the success of the 2026 edition, expectations are already high that the initiative can become a sustained platform for supporting, celebrating and reconnecting Nigeria’s football legends.
