The 2026 Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament will commence on June 1 with a derby fixture between Methodist High School (MHO) and Owo High School (OHS) at the Owo Township Stadium.
The opening match marks the start of the fourth edition of the competition since its rebranding by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III. More than 30 secondary schools from across Owo Kingdom are expected to participate in the tournament.
The Olowo’s Cup, which has a history spanning more than 70 years, was repackaged following Oba Ogunoye III’s ascension to the throne seven years ago. The competition has since become a major fixture in the kingdom’s sporting calendar.
According to a statement 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 phase will feature matches from June 1 to June 5, while the remaining Stage One fixtures will continue until June 26.
Organisers said the competition is designed to provide a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents while promoting sportsmanship, youth development and community engagement through grassroots football.
The opening fixture carries added significance because the Olowo of Owo attended Methodist High School before completing his secondary education at Owo High School. The match is therefore expected to attract interest among students, alumni and residents of the community.
Hon. Ajibola Adetula Oludasa is the title sponsor of the tournament, with support from Oyin Waters, Rosco Waters, Rugibo Water Venture and other private-sector organisations.
In addition to football, other sporting events scheduled as part of activities leading to the annual Igogo Festival 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 are expected to coincide with the Igogo Festival, a cultural event that attracts visitors from within and outside Ondo State.
The Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament is held under the theme: “One Goal, One Passion, One Champion.”
