OGILO SKOPE (the speaking pen 🖊️)

Oye, Ado, Gbonyin, Irepodun/Ifelodun Reach Akin Oyebode Cup Semi-Finals After Thrilling Quarter-Finals The quarter-final matches of the Akin Oyebode Cup produced excitement and high drama, with four teams emerging from a series of entertaining and closely contested encounters. Gbonyin (Aiyekire) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ikole in the opening game, while Irepodun/Ifelodun claimed an impressive 5-3 win against Ekiti East in a lively, high-scoring contest. Reigning champions Oye continued their strong run in the tournament with a convincing 4-2 triumph over Ise/Orun, underlining their determination to defend the title. In the most dramatic fixture, Ado and Ikere played out a thrilling 3-3 draw before Ado edged the contest 2-1 on penalties, completing the semi-final lineup alongside Oye, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Gbonyin.

PAOC: 2026 Edition to Kick Off in July as Tournament Reaches Knockout Stage After Ramadan The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup has continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Ekiti State’s leading grassroots football competitions, with plans already in place for the fifth edition of the tournament in 2026. Sponsor of the competition, Hon. Akintunde Oyebode, announced that the next edition of the youth football tournament will kick off in July, a move aimed at sustaining the momentum of talent discovery and development through football across the state. Oyebode explained that the July start date was deliberately chosen to align with the football calendar and school holiday period, allowing young players to fully participate while ensuring continuity in the development of grassroots football after the current champions emerge. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing fourth edition, particularly the standard of play during the group stage, noting that there has been a r...

PAOC Organizing Committee Hails Abdulmuiz’s European Move, Commends Hon. Akin Oyebode The Organizing Committee of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup has celebrated a major milestone in its drive to nurture young Nigerian footballers following the first European signing of one of its alumni.  Seventeen-year-old midfielder Oladimeji Abdulmuiz of Beyond Limits FA has completed a move to Swedish top-division side IF Elfsborg. The promising youngster has agreed to a long-term deal that will keep him at the Swedish club until the summer of 2029, and he is expected to link up with his new team in June.  His transfer marks a significant step in his career and highlights the growing impact of structured youth football development in Nigeria. According to the organisers, the move reflects years of sustained investment in grassroots talent identification and training, driven by the vision of Hon. Akintunde Oyebode and his family to expand opportunities for young athletes.  They particularly...

Goal Rush Gives Way to Tactical Battles as Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup Enters Round Two The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup continues on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, with Round Two fixtures expected to raise the tempo after an explosive opening round that produced heavy wins and individual brilliance across groups. With early lessons drawn from Round One, teams are expected to adopt sharper tactical approaches as competition for points intensifies and qualification ambitions begin to take clearer shape. One of the standout fixtures pitches Ikole Youth Team against Ekiti East Youth Team, as Ikole’s free-scoring attack, inspired by hat-trick hero Adewumi Isaiah, comes up against an Ekiti East side known for resilience and organisation. Ekiti East, who settled for a 2-2 draw in their opening game, will lean on central defender Ojo Ayomide—one of the tournament’s early standouts—to contain Ikole’s forwards and possibly snatch a crucial result. Another mouth-watering encounter se...

  Defending Champions Oye LFC Set for Ikere LFC Test as Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup Resumes The Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup, a leading grassroots football competition in Ekiti State, is set to resume with Match Week Two following a short break, as organizers reaffirm their commitment to sustaining the tournament’s developmental objectives. The competition, instituted in honour of Professor Akin Oyebode and sponsored by his family with notable involvement from Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, Honorable Akintunde Oyebode, has continued to provide a credible platform for the discovery and grooming of football talents across the State. Beyond players, the tournament has created opportunities for coaches, referees, and football administrators, with previous editions producing prospects who have progressed into recognized football academies, including Beyond Limits Football Academy. After an entertaining opening round held in December 2025, Match Week Two fixtures have been scheduled for ...

Ikole Unleashes Goal Storm as Oyebode Cup Opens with 21-Goal Frenzy IKOLE LFC STARTING XI The 2025 Professor Akin Oyebode Cup burst into life at the refurbished Ikole Township Stadium as football fans were treated to a breathtaking opening day that produced an astonishing 21 goals from four matches. Home side Ikole LFC youth team set the early pace with a commanding 5-0 victory over Moba LFC youth team, delighting the crowd with sharp passing, relentless pressure, and clinical finishing from start to finish. IREPODUN STARTING XI  The most ruthless display came from Irepodun Ifelodun LFC youth team, who tore Ilejemeje LFC youth team apart in a stunning 7-0 rout that showcased pace, precision, and an appetite for goals rarely seen at this level. Gbonyin Aiyekire LFC youth team also joined the avalanche with a convincing 5-0 triumph over Emure LFC youth team, as the match followed the day’s familiar script of dominance and unchallenged attacking play. GBONYIN STARTING XI  Th...

  Akin Oyebode Cup 2025 Set For Expanded Fourth Edition With Strong Corporate Backing The 2025 edition of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup is expected to be its most expansive yet, as major corporate partners, including global sports analytics platform Sofascore and youth development firm Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited, reaffirmed their commitment ahead of the tournament’s kick off on Wednesday, December 17. Sofascore will support the competition with advanced digital coverage, providing real time match data and detailed statistics that will be accessible to its global audience of more than 30 million users worldwide. Phoenix Athletics Sports Limited is offering key operational and technical support, drawing on its experience in talent identification and player management to help guide outstanding grassroots players toward professional football opportunities. Support from other partners, including the Red Cross International, Ekiti State Football Association, Ekiti State Sports Eco...