Oyo Governor's Cup 2024: Organisers promise premium excitement

Oyo Governor's Cup 2024: Organisers promise premium excitement

Preparations are in top gear, as the maiden edition of the Oyo 'Schools' Sport Foundation Governors Cup' kicks off on Monday May 13, 2024.

Unveiling the programme for the competition at a press conference in Ibadan, Founder of Schools' Sport Foundation, Organisers of the Oyo Governor's Cup, Yomi Elijah promised football-loving fans that the inaugural edition of the tournament will be filled with premium excitement.

According to him, the tournament is aimed at reviving school sports and also to nurture young talents in secondary schools across the state.

Yomi Elijah, a UK trained football coach reiterated his outfit's commitment to seeing the young ones become great in the nearest future.

"The Oyo State Governors Cup is just one of many to come, when it comes to schools sports in Oyo State. We have plans on ground to involve other sports as times go on.

"We are poised to give the best and allow secondary school students showcase their God-given talents through this competition.

""I would like to take a moment to recognise the incredible team that has worked tirelessly to make this competition a reality. Your dedication and expertise have been invaluable, and we appreciate your hard work. Thank you for your unwavering support!"

"To our schools, we encourage you to embrace sports as an essential part of your curriculum. Participating in sports not only helps and physically and pupils grow physically but also mentally, teaching valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Let us work together to nurture the next generation of leaders and champions!" he concluded.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Salihu Adelabu, assured all participants of safety, before and during the competition. He also thanked the sponsor, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns for the massive initiative.

"I want to assure all participants, and spectators that the safety and security of everyone involved in the Oyo State Governor's Cup is our top priority.

"We have worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that proper security measures are in place during the competition.

"As stakeholders in the education and development of our youth, we are committed to providing not only a secure environment but also moral support to all participants."

Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, showed alot of optimism about the competition, stating that, it would be an opportunity for students to showcase their talents.

"We are grateful to have the support of the state government and Peculiar Ultimate Concerns for this initiative. Their willingness to invest in the development of our youths through sports is commendable. We encourage other organisations to follow suit and support innovations like this, which can have a positive impact on our communities."

Former Super Eagles and Real Betis midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju was also full of praises for the organisers and sponsor of the Governor's Cup. The Laliga chief emphasised on the reason schools sports should be encouraged in secondary schools.

"I played Governor’s Cup (Principals Cup) as a student of Propect High School and I can boldly say we had many under age national competitions back then. If things are done rightly, we won't have problems."

"I want to appreciate Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, the Oyo State government and other relevant bodies for making this a reality in Oyo State."

The football competition will start with local government eliminations between May 13 – 22, 2024,

Zonal Eliminations come up from Tuesday May 28 – Friday 31, 2024.

Screening and accreditation commence on Wednesday June 5 while the state finals (Quarter Finals) will hold at Ikolaba High School with two matches played at the venue on June 5.

Loyola College will also host two 2 Matches on June 6.

The Governor’s Cup semifinals will come up at the Lekan Salami Stadium on June 7.

The third place and final will hold on the June 8 and 9 respectively at Lekan Salami Stadium while June 10 has been chosen as the tentative date for the final match.

The competition starts from the local governments to the zonal stage.

The Zones are:

1. Oyo

2. Ogbomoso I

3. Ibadan I

4. Ibadan II

5. Ibadan III

6. Ibarapa

7. Oke – Ogun I

8. Oke – Ogun II