Derby Day In Owo As Methodist High School Face Owo High School To Kick Off Olowo’s Cup 2026

Bragging rights are on the line in Owo as Methodist High School (MHO) and Owo High School (OHS) lock horns in an all-Owo derby to open the 4th Edition of the Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament.

Over three dozen colleges from across the Owo Kingdom are in the mix, and it all kicks off at Owo Township Stadium.

The age-long Olowo’s Cup stretches back more than seven decades, but it was repackaged by His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III when he ascended the exalted throne of Olowo seven years ago. This year’s edition will culminate with the final matches staged as part of Igogo, the globally recognized and most celebrated Yoruba cultural festival, hosted in the ancient city of Owo.

According to a media release signed by Dr. Yinka Osho, Chairman, and Mr. Sunday Ijanawo, Secretary of the Owo Sports Development Committee, the tournament will run from June to August with over three dozen colleges participating. The first week features five days of nonstop action from June 1 to June 5, while the other matches in the stage One will run to June 26, 2026

Widely regarded as one of the healthiest and most competitive sporting events in the state, the aged tournament has consistently produced round-leather stars.
The Olowo’s Cup is expected to break new ground in the history of students’ football in Ondo, the Sunshine State.

Adding another layer to the opening match: the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III, who is the current Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, was once a student of Methodist High School, Owo, before completing his secondary education at Owo High School.
The game carries extra meaning for alumni and students of both colleges, embodying the much-talked-about talent hunt and healthy rivalry that define the ancient community.

The Setup
Young talents from Owo and surrounding communities will battle for glory, showcasing skill on the ball, work rate, team chemistry, and pure determination. The competition is designed to promote sportsmanship, unity, and youth development through grassroots football.

The Call to the Stands
Fans, students, alumni, parents, and football lovers are urged to fill the stands and back their schools.
Every team will be chasing points and fighting for a place in the next stage.

Hon. Ajibola Adetula Oludasa is actively involved as the title sponsor of the tournament.
He is supported by Oyin Waters, Rosco Waters, Rugibo Water Venture, and other local private companies providing product support.

Expect end-to-end encounters, last-minute winners, and unforgettable moments as the Olowo’s Cup returns to celebrate grassroots football at its best. Other sporting events – including Wrestling, sponsored by Chief Oyepata Ineren; Table Tennis, sponsored by Chief Olawale Ijaware, the Aladaye of Owo Kingdom; Lawn Tennis; and Scrabble – will also be keenly contested to complete the lineup for the long-enduring Igogo Festival, a cherished celebration that has become a globally recognized tourist attraction.

As always, the Olowo Football Tournament for Colleges is tagged: One Goal, One Passion, One Champion.

Venue: Owo Township Stadium
Dates: June 1 – June 5, 2026