Gold Cup '26: Shock Results In Abeokuta As Grassrunners, Abakaliki Upset NPFL Sides

 

Gold Cup '26: Shock Results In Abeokuta As Grassrunners, Abakaliki Upset NPFL Sides

Lagos Derby rivals, Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City, were on Monday handed reality checks after losing, respectively, to Grassrunners FC and Abakaliki FC on MatchDay 4 of the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup pre-season tournament at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Grassrunners FC took just 28 minutes to decide the game, with Ajibola Emmanuel finishing after a defensive slip during play. Ubi Johnson then doubled the lead with a precise shot, putting his team at the top with 10 points.

Ikorodu City paid the price for not killing the game against Abakaliki FC, despite dominating possession at 53%. 

Four minutes past the half hour mark, Moses Amanekwu scored to give De Rice Boys their first goal.

De Rice Boys, holding a one-goal lead, added another in the 88th minute when a poor clearance from Ikorodu City allowed Chimaobi Metumareobi to score a half-volley from inside the box. This victory moved Abakaliki FC to second place with 9 points.

Doma United earned their first Gold Cup win as the Savannah Tigers defeated Dokkal Khairu FC 3-1. Goals from Haruna Abubakar (7th minute), Bitrius Philemon (38th minute), and Usman Nasiba (85th minute) highlighted their strong performance against the newly-promoted NNL Dokkal Khairu of Ile-Ife.

Meanwhile, the first MatchDay 4 game between Stormers SC and Sunshine Stars ended in a 1-1 draw, with all goals scored in the first half.

Action resumes on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a rest day.

AMBO Congratulates Osun People, Urges Calm, Alleges Attacks On APC Members After Poll

 

AMBO Congratulates Osun People, Urges Calm, Alleges Attacks On APC Members After Poll

Osogbo, Osun State – 17th August, 2026

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, FCIB, MBA, popularly known as AMBO, has commended party members and supporters for their commitment and sacrifice throughout the campaign period.

In a statement released on Monday, AMBO said he deeply appreciated the steadfastness of APC leaders, volunteers and voters who believed in the prosperity agenda presented to the people of Osun State.

“Your unwavering support for my candidacy and your belief in the prosperity agenda we presented to the people of Osun are experiences I will forever cherish,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the party had hoped for a different outcome, AMBO said the APC respects the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and is currently reviewing the results through the appropriate party channels.

He expressed gratitude to all voters, volunteers and party stakeholders who worked tirelessly to mobilize support across the 30 local government areas of the state.

“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive. We will continue to work for the effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he added.

AMBO, however, raised concerns over what he described as growing hostility and violence against APC members and supporters in the last 24 hours.

He called on the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene promptly to arrest the trend and ensure the safety of all citizens in the post-election period.

“I urge all of you to remain calm and peaceful as you go about your daily activities. At the same time, I alert the State Government and security agents to the violent attacks on our members which have taken another dimension,” he said.

He concluded by thanking everyone who stood by the party and reaffirmed his pride in the campaign and the confidence reposed in him.

“God bless you all. God bless Osun State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

‘We Would Have Been In Hot Soup’ - Osun Workers Celebrate Adeleke’s Win, Labour Leaders Hail Poll

 

‘We Would Have Been In Hot Soup’ - Osun Workers Celebrate Adeleke’s Win, Labour Leaders Hail Poll

Seyi Akanni | OSOGBO 17/08/2026

Civil servants in Osun State on Monday shut down the state secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, to celebrate Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election. The workers, clad in yellow caps of the victorious Accord Party, sang, danced and trooped into the streets, saying the victory saved them from what they described as imminent victimisation by the opposition All Progressives Congress.

Many of the workers told Coded News that they had lived in fear during the campaign period, unable to openly show support for Adeleke. They alleged that the APC had threatened that Adeleke’s supporters would be punished if the party lost, a stance they described as aggressive and intimidating. The election outcome, they said, brought relief and vindication for their silent support at the polls.

Labour leaders joined the celebrations and addressed the jubilant crowd. Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin, commended workers for their steadfastness and urged them to remain hardworking. NULGE President, Comrade Kehinde Ogunbangbe, described the victory as one for labour and all Osun indigenes, warning that workers would have faced “hot soup” had the opposition won.

Ogunbangbe alleged that the APC had mapped out actions against the pro-Adeleke workforce and accused the party of creating the lingering local government crisis in the state. He recalled that the 12 years of APC rule stagnated civil servants and insisted that labour decided not to support the opposition’s activities. He also gave thanks that attempts to rig the election failed, saying it would have thrown the state into anarchy.

The Osun NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, said workers, pensioners and residents came out to thank God for the outcome. He noted that history had repeated itself with victories against past administrations that did not prioritize workers’ welfare. Arapasopo concluded that any government that takes care of workers will always be favoured by them, describing the election as a victory for democracy and peace in Osun.

Olowu Of Kuta Congratulates Adeleke, Urges Magnanimity In Governance

 Olowu Of Kuta Congratulates Adeleke, Urges Magnanimity In Governance

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, has congratulated Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke on his victory in the Osun State governorship election.

In a congratulatory statement issued from his palace, the traditional ruler commended the governor for securing the renewed mandate of the people of Osun State.

Oba Oyelude urged Governor Adeleke to approach the victory with magnanimity, calling for an inclusive style of governance that would unite the people and accommodate diverse interests across the state.

The monarch also reminded the governor of the commitments contained in his victory speech, urging him to translate his promises into concrete actions as he begins the next phase of his administration.

He charged the governor to “hit the ground running” by consolidating on ongoing development initiatives and ensuring that projects already commenced across the state receive sustained attention.

Olowu Kuta urged the Governor to vigorously reinforce his people-oriented policies that have earned him the love of the masses across the state, by targeting rural development in his second tenure, as most urban areas have benefited immensely from his first tenure.

He further urged the governor to place greater emphasis on security and the general welfare of the people.

The Olowu expressed confidence that the governor’s renewed mandate would provide an opportunity to consolidate the gains of his administration, address areas requiring greater attention and pursue policies that would bring tangible benefits to people across the state.

Osun Guber Poll: Gov. Adeleke Appreciates Osun People, Dedicates Victory To The Masses

 

Osun Guber Poll: Gov. Adeleke Appreciates Osun People, Dedicates Victory To The Masses

Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed deep appreciation to the people of Osun State for re-electing him for a second term, describing the victory as a triumph of the masses over politics of exclusion.

In a statement issued shortly after INEC declared him winner, the Governor thanked voters across the 30 local government areas for turning out in large numbers to defend democracy and good governance.

"I dedicate this victory to the good people of Osun. You stood by me, you believed in the ‘Imole’ agenda, and you have spoken loudly with your votes," Adeleke said.

He added that the overwhelming support across the state was a clear endorsement of his administration’s focus on workers’ welfare, infrastructure, education, health, and grassroots development.

The Governor assured residents that their trust will not be taken for granted, promising to deepen people-centered policies that directly impact livelihoods.

"To every market woman, artisan, student, civil servant and youth who voted for continuity, this victory belongs to you. We will not rest until every part of Osun feels the impact of government," he stated.