The landmark fifth edition of the Prof. Akin Oyebode Cup is building toward a thrilling climax, with the “Building to Last” grand finale scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 2026, a date specifically chosen by the sponsor, Hon. Akin Oyebode, the Commissioner for Finance of Ekiti State.
Organised as Ekiti State’s premier grassroots football platform, the tournament continues to serve as a vital talent pipeline, giving young players from local football councils (LFCs) a competitive stage to showcase their skills, discipline and potential in both the male and female categories.
Eight teams have successfully navigated the earlier rounds and booked their places in the quarterfinals of the male category. The qualifiers are:
– Ijero LFC
– Ekiti West LFC
– Ire/Ife LFC
– Oye LFC
– Gbonyin LFC
– Ikole LFC
– Ekiti South West LFC
– Efon LFC
These eight sides will battle it out in the quarterfinals on Thursday, 8 October. The winners will advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday, 14 October.
The female category will join the competition at the semi-finals stage on 14 October. This structure brings the leading girls’ teams into the knockout phase alongside the male semi-finalists, heightening the excitement as both categories progress toward the decisive matches.
The two strongest teams in each category will then meet in the grand finale on 20 October to crown the new champions of the fifth edition.
The knockout phase promises high drama. Only two of the eight remaining male teams will reach the grand finale, while the female sides entering at the semi-finals will compete for the honour of lifting the trophy in their category.
The competition has grown steadily since its inception. It has become known not only for identifying promising footballers but also for fostering character, teamwork and broader youth development across the state’s local governments. With the theme “Building to Last,” the 2026 edition emphasises sustainability and long-term impact.
Organisers and stakeholders see the tournament as more than a series of matches, it is an investment in the confidence, capacity and future of Ekiti’s young people, both male and female.
