Football Fever Grips Osogbo, Olorunda, Orolu, Irepodun As Gangaria Challenge Nears

Eight teams are ready for glory as the much-anticipated Gangaria Soccer Challenge 2026 hits Osogbo, Olorunda, Orolu and Irepodun Federal Constituency. The grassroots football fiesta, which is aimed at youth engagement, unity and unearthing the abundant football talents in the localities, will see teams drawn from across the four local governments battle for supremacy. The tournament promises not just football, but excitement, discovery and community bonding.

The championship is sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Adewale Morufu Adebayo, popularly known as Gangaria, who is gunning for the green chamber for the second time. Described by many as a God-sent leader, Gangaria has consistently empowered both old and young through entrepreneurship, education and humanitarian gestures. Now, he is deploying sports as a potent tool for grassroots development, using the round leather game to unite the youth, promote talent and build a stronger community.

According to the organizers, eight teams have been confirmed and are ready to battle for the mouthwatering grand prize as kickoff is slated for Saturday, November 7, 2026. All participating teams have been admonished to abide strictly by the tournament's rules and regulations to ensure fair play and a hitch-free competition. The tourney will be free to participate and will feature prizes, awards and recognitions.

The eight teams drawn for the contest are 3FC New Generation Ifon, Phoenix FC Ifon,  Ilobu United, Moje United Erin Osun; Olayiwola FC, AUD All Stars, Agunbelewo Youth FC and Kosemani FC. Football lovers across the federal constituency are already in high spirits as the countdown begins.

 

Osun NUJ 2026 Press Week: Methodist Bishop, Adeleke’s aide Task Journalists On Accountability

Osun NUJ 2026 Press Week: Methodist Bishop, Adeleke’s aide Task Journalists On Accountability

Journalists have been urged to strengthen democracy and promote good governance by holding public officials accountable, reporting truthfully and maintaining professional integrity.

The call was made by the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Osogbo, Rt. Rev. Dr J. Olu Akinola, and the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Samuel Ojo, during the thanksgiving service marking the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council.

A statement by the Secretary, NUJ Osun Council, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, noted that the service was held at Sir Adedokun Haastrup Local Church, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ogo-Oluwa Circuit, Osogbo.

Delivering the sermon, Akinola described journalism as a critical pillar of nation-building, urging media practitioners to remain committed to their watchdog responsibilities and ensure that government policies and activities serve the interests of the people.

He urged journalists to pay attention to developments in critical sectors, including the economy, health, security and banking, while scrutinising government policies and programmes to promote transparency and accountability.

The cleric, however, expressed concern over what he described as the abandonment of truth by some journalists in pursuit of personal interests, warning that such conduct could erode public confidence in the media.

In his remarks, Ojo, who hosted the journalists, congratulated the NUJ leadership and members on the commencement of the annual Press Week, describing the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the media’s contributions to societal development.

He charged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and credibility, particularly in an era of rapid information dissemination through social media.

The governor’s aide cautioned against allowing political affiliations, financial inducements and personal interests to influence news reports, stressing the need for journalists to verify information, consult relevant sources and give all parties involved an opportunity to present their positions.

He further urged journalists to deploy their platforms towards promoting peace, unity, justice and sustainable development, while holding individuals and institutions accountable through constructive criticism based on facts and fairness.

He also encouraged media practitioners to embrace continuous training, research and technological advancement, adding that consistent reporting on government policies and development projects would keep residents informed about activities and initiatives in the state.

While speaking, The Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, also called on journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, fairness and responsible journalism as the council celebrates its 2026 Press Week.

AFH) Pre-season Tourney: FC Ebedei battles Grassrunners FC in final

 

(AFH) Pre-season Tourney: FC Ebedei battles Grassrunners FC in final

To say Grassrunners FC and FC Ebedei have delivered blistering performances at the African Football Holding (AFH) Pre-season Tournament would be an understatement.

The 10-day football fiesta draws to a close from 4pm on Saturday, as the FC Ebedei Stadium will quake when both teams clash in the tournament final to determine who claims the bragging rights.

Both teams are one game away from making history and adding the silverware to their trophy cabinets. They are the only teams to have gone unbeaten and topped their respective groups.

FC Ebedei did drop points against Eko United, sharing the spoils after their final game ended 2-2, with a stunning comeback from the Oliseh Boys. They finished on 10 points, scoring 10 goals and conceding six.

In Group B, Grassrunners FC took the top spot with nine points, scoring nine goals and conceding three.

With both teams among the top performers in goalscoring, winning today's finale would cap an already glorious campaign for FC Ebedei and Grassrunners FC.

The outcome now rests on the teams' quality play or individual brilliance, with much depending on Obinna Otu (FC Ebedei, 4 goals) and Adeola Fadel (Grassrunners FC- 3 goals) to deliver in front of goal.

Coordinator of the African Football Holding (AFH) Pre-season Tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen, said, "My appreciation goes to all the teams that took part in the tourney.

"The success recorded has made the tourney one of the best platforms for players to try out and team bonding going into the Nigeria National League and the 2027 Nationwide League One.

"We're delighted with the quality of football shown by the teams, as another exciting football showpiece awaits fans of both teams today (Saturday)."

Osun SWAN Tours UNIOSUN Sports Complex, As VC Announces 50% Fee Cut For WAUG Medalists

 

The Osun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was hosted by the Osun State University, Osogbo, on a familiarization tour of the institution's newly constructed sports complex.

The visit, at the instance of the University management, provided SWAN members the opportunity to inspect the state-of-the-art sports complex, which boasts modern facilities. The complex has been described as a major boost to sports development within the university community.

The meeting also served as an avenue for the University to host and celebrate its student-athletes who excelled at the just concluded West Africa University Games (WAUG) held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where UNIOSUN won 6 silver medals and 10 bronze.

While appreciating the University management, the Acting Director of Sports, Dr. Tesleem Kolawole, lauded the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering support for sporting activities. He noted that the VC has consistently approved sports programmes and fulfilled his promise of delivering a befitting sports complex for the University. According to him, the new stadium made camping easy and comfortable for both coaches and athletes ahead of the games.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adeboye, praised the athletes for making the institution proud. He said the University has every reason to celebrate, citing its numerous achievements including back-to-back research grants, its ranking as the best State University in Nigeria, over 30,000 admission seekers on its portal, massive infrastructural development across campuses and the revamping of the University health centres. "When I look back, I have many reasons to be grateful, many people of my age couldn't sleep the way I sleep. The wonderful achievements of the University is enough for me to be happy. I was packing my luggage from the university when the state government said it's not time for me to leave yet. I am privileged to the extent that I don't need to hold visas to travel across the world," the elated VC said. He thereafter announced a 50 percent reduction in school fees for all WAUG participants as a reward for their efforts.

Speaking afterwards, the Vice Chairman of Osun SWAN, Oluwaseun Omolola, eulogised the large heart of the sports-loving Vice Chancellor. He described the University Stadium Complex as a standout project among higher institutions in Nigeria, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. He charged the University don not to rest on his oars and assured that SWAN is ready to partner with the University community in projecting its sporting achievements.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Adeboye appreciated SWAN for honouring the invitation, noting that the University's achievements continue to speak for it with great visibility. He concluded by promising to replicate the feat with a mini sports complex in the University's other campuses across the state.

18 Osun Coaches Begin New Chapter With State-Sponsored NIS Programme

 

The Osun State Government has sponsored 18 coaches to undertake professional coaching courses at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, in a strategic move to strengthen coaching capacity and advance sports development across the state.

The beneficiaries, selected from the three senatorial districts of Osun State, comprise male and female coaches drawn from various sporting disciplines, including football, weightlifting, para weightlifting, athletics, boxing and other sports. The initiative also provides an opportunity for former athletes, including former para-sport athletes, to acquire professional coaching knowledge and transition into coaching careers.

The programme is fully sponsored by the Osun State Government through the Office of the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubles as the commissioner for sports in the state.

Speaking during a send-off ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, as the coaches prepared to depart Osogbo for Lagos in a Sports Council bus, the General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Mr. Ademola Daini, charged the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of Osun State throughout their training.

He urged them to demonstrate discipline, dedication and professionalism while making the most of the learning opportunity, stressing that the knowledge and skills acquired should ultimately contribute to improving coaching standards and sporting performance in the state.

Daini expressed appreciation to the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke for sponsoring the programme. He also commended Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi for championing the initiative and giving the necessary approval for its implementation.

The General Manager further acknowledged the Chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Engr. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye, for his consistent support for sports development initiatives.

According to Daini, the sponsorship forms part of Governor Adeleke's sports reform agenda, particularly the drive to build a stronger technical workforce capable of identifying, nurturing and preparing athletes for competitive engagements at various levels.

He noted that investing in coaches across different sporting disciplines and all three senatorial districts would strengthen the state's sports development structure, improve technical knowledge and create a more sustainable pathway for grassroots talent development.

Also present at the send-off ceremony was the Director of Technical of the Osun State Sports Council, Mrs. Adejoke Osho, who joined other officials in wishing the beneficiaries success in their training.

Responding on behalf of the coaches, Abdullahi Adegoke, a former Taekwondo athlete of the Osun State Sports Council and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government for providing the opportunity to advance their professional knowledge and coaching capabilities.

Adegoke also appreciated the leadership of the Sports Council for facilitating the initiative, assuring that all the beneficiaries would uphold the image of Osun State and return with valuable knowledge to support the development of their respective sports.