The fourth Olota Cup has kicked off in Ota, Ogun State, promoting youth empowerment, grassroots football, talent discovery and community development
Excitement as Olota Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Grand Style, Wraps Ota In Youth Football Action
The fourth edition of the Olota of Ota Soccer Competition has kicked off in grand style, bringing together football talents, community leaders and sports stakeholders at the Bells University of Technology Stadium in Ota, Ogun State.
The tournament, organised by Travellers Network Magazine in honour of His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D., Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode, Olofin Apesin Olode, the Olota of Ancient and Paramount Ottaland, Awori Kingdom, commenced on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The competition is aimed at promoting youth empowerment, talent discovery and development, grassroots sports advancement and community building across Ota and the wider Awori Kingdom.
Declaring the tournament open, the Olota commended the Olota Cup Organising Committee, led by the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Travellers Network Magazine, Mr Olaniyi Akinbode, for its dedication and sustained commitment to the development of the competition.
The monarch acknowledged the progress recorded since the tournament began, noting that the Olota Cup and the Olota Marathon Competition had continued to provide platforms for discovering, nurturing and promoting sporting talents within and beyond the kingdom.
The opening ceremony attracted an array of prominent personalities, including community leaders, academics, security officials, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders.
Those in attendance included the Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Otta, Professor Abel Olajide Olorunisola; Aare Atunluse of Aworiland, Aare Surveyor Segun Osifeso, FNIS, and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Osifeso; Otta Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Commander O. Adesina; Professor Anthonia Adeniyi, representing Covenant University, Otta; and ASP Oparinde Segun, representing the Nigeria Police Force.
The monarch’s continued support for sporting initiatives, organisers said, has provided significant encouragement to young people across the kingdom while contributing to the growth of grassroots sports.
Beyond the football competition, the Olota Cup is positioned as a platform for youth empowerment, talent discovery, discipline, community integration and the promotion of positive values through sports.
The organisers expressed optimism that the fourth edition would further strengthen the role of sports in bringing young people together and provide emerging talents with opportunities for recognition, development and greater exposure.
With the latest edition now underway, attention is expected to shift to the participating teams and young footballers seeking to make their mark in the competition while contributing to the growing profile of grassroots football in Ota and Ogun State.
