The 2026 edition of the prestigious Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament will get underway in grand style on Monday, June 1, with an exciting all-Owo derby between Methodist High School (MHO) and Owo High School (OHS) at the Owo Township Stadium.
The opening fixture is expected to attract widespread attention as the two historic schools battle for local bragging rights in the curtain-raiser of the fourth edition of the tournament since its repackaging by the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III.
More than three dozen secondary schools from across Owo Kingdom will participate in the competition, which has become one of the most prominent grassroots football tournaments in Ondo State.
Although the Olowo’s Cup has a history spanning over seven decades, it was revitalized seven years ago by Oba Ogunoye III following his ascension to the throne. The tournament has since grown in stature, serving as a platform for discovering young football talents while promoting unity and healthy competition among students.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Owo Sports Development Committee, Dr. Yinka Osho, and the Secretary, Mr. Sunday Ijanawo, the tournament will run from June through August 2026. The opening phase will feature five consecutive days of action from June 1 to June 5, while the remaining Stage One matches will continue until June 26.
Widely regarded as one of the most competitive and impactful school sports competitions in the state, the Olowo’s Cup has produced several talented footballers over the years and is expected to set new standards for student football development in Ondo State.
The opening match carries added significance for the Olowo of Owo himself. Oba Ogunoye III attended Methodist High School before completing his secondary education at Owo High School, making the encounter particularly symbolic for the royal father, as well as for alumni and students of both institutions.
Organisers say the competition will provide a valuable platform for young talents from Owo and neighbouring communities to showcase their skills, teamwork, discipline and determination. Beyond football, the tournament is aimed at fostering youth development, sportsmanship and community integration through grassroots sports.
Fans, students, alumni, parents and football enthusiasts have been encouraged to turn out in large numbers to support their schools as teams begin their quest for qualification to the next stage of the competition.
The tournament is sponsored by Hon. Ajibola Adetula Oludasa, with support from corporate partners including Oyin Waters, Rosco Waters, Rugibo Water Venture and other private sector organisations.
In addition to football, other sporting events scheduled as part of the annual Igogo Festival celebrations include wrestling, sponsored by Chief Oyepata Ineren; table tennis, sponsored by Chief Olawale Ijaware, the Aladaye of Owo Kingdom; lawn tennis; and scrabble.
The finals of the various competitions will be held during the renowned Igogo Festival, one of the most celebrated Yoruba cultural festivals and a major tourist attraction in Nigeria.
The 2026 Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament continues under its enduring theme: “One Goal, One Passion, One Champion.”