The 2026 Prof Akin Oyebode Cup enters its decisive group-stage round this Wednesday and Thursday, September 16 and 17, with qualification still hanging in the balance for several of the tournament’s biggest names.
With the final round of group fixtures set to determine who advances, some teams have already secured their places in the next stage, while others face must-win encounters and the prospect of an early exit.
Ijero have taken firm control of Group A with six points and are virtually assured of a place in the next round.
The battle for the remaining qualification spot is, however, finely poised between Emure and Ekiti West, who both have three points.Emure will face group leaders Ijero, while Ekiti West take on Ekiti East. With little separating the two contenders, the results could determine who joins Ijero in the knockout phase.
Group B has produced one of the tournament’s most intriguing contests, with defending champions Irepodun/Ifelodun joined by former winners Oye.
Irepodun/Ifelodun currently lead the group with four points and need only a draw to guarantee qualification, although victory would settle the matter beyond doubt.
Oye, meanwhile, are under pressure after drawing two of their three matches. They have two points, level with Moba, and must defeat their opponents while hoping Irepodun/Ifelodun avoid victory against Moba.
Ido-Osi, with one point, face an uphill battle to remain in contention.
Group C has arguably produced the most dramatic qualification battle of the competition.
Ikole, Gbonyin, Ikere and Ise/Orun are all tied on three points, with goal difference the only factor separating them.
That means every team enters the final round with a genuine chance of progressing. The flip side is equally brutal: two of the four sides will be eliminated.
With no room for complacency, the final Group C fixtures could produce the most dramatic conclusion of the group stage.
Ekiti South-West have already secured qualification from Group D and will face two-time champions Ado in their final group fixture.
For Ado, the situation is considerably more complicated. They have only one point and must beat the already-qualified Ekiti South-West.
Even victory may not be enough. Ado also need Ilejemeje, who have three points, and Efon, who have one point, to drop points in their respective final fixture.
The fifth edition of the Prof Akin Oyebode Cup is therefore heading into its final group matches with qualification battles spread across the four groups.
