The countdown to the second version of the Lagos Ex-Worldwide Cup has formally begun, igniting renewed pleasure throughout the Lagos soccer ecosystem as former Nigerian internationals step ahead to unveil the golf equipment they’ll personal, coach, or undertake forward of the landmark grassroots match.
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Greater than a nostalgia-driven reunion, the competitors is quick positioning itself as a strategic platform for mentorship, construction, and neighborhood soccer revival.
It reconnects legends of the inexperienced, white, and inexperienced period with the streets, pitches, and neighbourhoods that formed their careers, whereas providing younger gamers uncommon entry to elite soccer expertise on the grassroots degree.
A number of ex-internationals already personal or handle soccer golf equipment and at the moment are targeted on strengthening their squads for the match.
Others, in keeping with the competitors’s grassroots philosophy, have chosen to undertake community-based groups inside their native areas, reinforcing soccer improvement on the neighbourhood degree.
In accordance with the Technical Chairman of the Lagos State Soccer Affiliation (LSFA), Mr. Keye Onadeko, the match can be performed on a two-leg, home-and-away foundation.
This format, he defined, ensures that soccer really returns to the communities, permitting followers to witness mentorship-driven soccer inside acquainted native environments.
In an official communication signed by the Assistant Secretary of the LSFA, Mr. Okunoye Kayode Yussuf, taking part ex-internationals have been formally notified that the submission course of for adopted groups has commenced.
The LSFA confirmed that golf equipment already owned by ex-internationals and duly recorded embrace FC Dosu, FC Agali, FC Ayegbeni, FC Ayila, FC Dominic, and FC Temile.
Adopted groups already submitted embrace FC Nwosu representing 36 Lion FC, FC Nieketien representing Ajunwa FC, and FC Babington representing Ikorodu Metropolis FC.
The Affiliation has urged all remaining ex-internationals and soccer legends but to submit their adopted groups to take action on or earlier than January 5, 2026.
Curiosity within the mission continues to develop, with extra legends signaling their readiness to take part. Amongst those that have indicated curiosity in adopting groups are Godwin Okpara with Messiah FC, Ifeanyin Udeze with AJ Chosen, Festus Odini with Ovation FC, and Jide Oguntuase with Bariga Stars.
For communities throughout Bariga, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, and the Island, the event represents renewed hope, publicity, and structured steering for younger footballers chasing skilled careers.
To safeguard self-discipline and integrity, the LSFA has outlined strict necessities for all adopted groups. Each workforce should be affiliated with the LSFA, supporters and membership homeowners should be non-violent, match officers should be revered always, and groups are anticipated to keep up agency management over gamers.
The Affiliation has reserved the fitting to reject any adopted workforce that fails to satisfy these requirements.
Adopted workforce names and designated house venues are to be submitted through 07080024467 on or earlier than January 5, 2026.
Talking additional, Mr. Onadeko emphasised that the Lagos Ex-Worldwide Cup is designed to transcend competitors. In accordance with him, the match permits former gamers to reconnect with their enjoying instincts whereas serving as mentor-coaches, passing on tactical data {and professional} self-discipline gained throughout their lively careers.
Chief Govt Officer of the Ex-Internationals Cup, Engineer Waidi Akanni, bolstered this place, stressing that every one adopted groups should strictly adjust to LSFA affiliation and eligibility necessities.
His message was unequivocal: the competitors is about construction, self-discipline, and legacy — not simply well-known names.
