Excitement as Fourth Olota Cup Kicks Off in Grand Style at Ota

Excitement as Fourth Olota Cup Kicks Off in Grand Style at Ota

The fourth edition of the Olota of Ota Soccer Competition kicked off in grand style on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Bells University of Technology Stadium, 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, is aimed at promoting youth empowerment, talent discovery and development, sports advancement and community building.

Declaring the competition open, the monarch 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 tournament.

The Olota acknowledged the progress recorded through the years, 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 distinguished personalities, including community leaders, academics, security officials, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders.

In the opening matches, Lofty FC defeated Sholars FC 5–0, recording a convincing victory.

In the second game, Khafifat FC and Megadegs FC played out a 2–2 draw in an evenly contested encounter.

Among those present were 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 Anthoms 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 and contributed to the growth of sports at the grassroots.

Beyond the competition itself, the Olota Cup is designed to serve 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 while creating opportunities for emerging talents to gain recognition and development.