The 2026 edition of the Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament will begin on June 1 with an all-Owo derby between Methodist High School (MHO) and Owo High School (OHS) at the Owo Township Stadium.
The opening fixture is expected to set the tone for a competition that will feature more than 30 secondary schools from across Owo Kingdom, making it one of the largest grassroots football tournaments in Ondo State.
The Olowo’s Cup, which dates back more than seven decades, remains a prominent sporting event in the kingdom. The competition was revitalised seven years ago by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III, following his ascension to the throne, and has since continued to provide opportunities for young football talents to develop and showcase their abilities.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Owo Sports Development Committee, Dr. Yinka Osho, and the Committee’s Secretary, Mr. Sunday Ijanawo, the tournament will run from June to August 2026.
The opening round of matches will be played from June 1 to June 5, while the remaining Stage One fixtures are scheduled to continue until June 26. Teams will compete for places in the knockout stages, with the tournament expected to attract students, alumni, parents and football enthusiasts from across the kingdom.
Organisers said the competition is designed to promote youth development, sportsmanship and community unity through grassroots football. Young players from Owo and neighbouring communities will have the opportunity to demonstrate their talent, teamwork and discipline throughout the tournament.
The opening match carries additional significance because the Olowo of Owo attended both participating schools. Oba Ogunoye III began his secondary education at Methodist High School before completing it at Owo High School, adding a unique historical connection to the fixture.
Hon. Ajibola Adetula Oludasa is the title sponsor of the tournament. Additional support is being provided by Oyin Waters, Rosco Waters, Rugibo Water Venture and other local private-sector organisations.
Beyond football, several other sporting events have been scheduled as part of activities leading to the annual Igogo Festival. These include wrestling, table tennis, lawn tennis and scrabble. Wrestling is sponsored by Chief Oyepata Ineren, while the table tennis competition is sponsored by Chief Olawale Ijaware, the Aladaye of Owo Kingdom.
The finals of the various competitions will be staged during the Igogo Festival, one of the most prominent cultural celebrations in Owo Kingdom and a major tourist attraction in Ondo State.
The tournament continues under its longstanding theme: “One Goal, One Passion, One Champion.”
