Defending champions face Community Grammar School, Emure-Ile in Sunday’s final as MHSO Kings seek consolation against Upenmen High School
The battle for honours in the 2026 Olowo’s Cup enters its decisive weekend as the Methodist High School, Owo (MHSO) Queens and MHSO Kings prepare for two crucial encounters at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
While the Queens are chasing a historic back-to-back triumph in the female category, the Kings will be fighting to salvage a podium finish in the male competition after their hopes of reaching the final were dashed in the semi-final.
The MHSO Queens, defending champions in the female category, will confront Community Grammar School, Emure-Ile in the final on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
The kick-off time is expected to be announced by the organisers.
For the Queens, however, Sunday’s encounter is much more than another football match.
It is a chance to successfully defend the crown they won in the maiden edition of the competition last year and further establish themselves as a formidable force in female school football in Owo.
QUEENS ON THE VERGE OF HISTORY
The MHSO Queens have enjoyed an impressive run throughout the 2026 competition, winning all their preliminary-stage matches before advancing through the quarter-final and semi-final rounds with victories.
Their unbeaten campaign has earned them another place in the final and generated considerable excitement among students, old students, parents, supporters and the wider MHSO community.
A victory on Sunday would not only retain the trophy but also underline the consistency and growing strength of the MHSO female football programme.
Standing between the defending champions and another championship celebration, however, is a determined Community Grammar School, Emure-Ile side with ambitions of producing a major upset.
The final therefore promises a compelling contest: a reigning champion determined to keep its crown against a challenger eager to create history of its own.
KINGS SEEK BRONZE AFTER SEMI-FINAL HEARTBREAK
Meanwhile, the MHSO Kings will return to action on Saturday, September 12, 2026, when they face Upenmen High School in the third-place match of the male category.
The Kings’ hopes of reaching the final suffered a major setback following their semi-final defeat to fellow Owo school, New Church Grammar School.
With the championship now beyond their reach, the Kings must regroup and channel the disappointment of the semi-final into a determined fight for the bronze medal.
A third-place finish would offer some consolation after another competitive campaign and ensure that the Kings do not leave the 2026 competition empty-handed.
The team also has unfinished business from last year. The MHSO Kings reached the final of the maiden edition but eventually settled for the silver medal after losing the championship decider to Imade College, Owo.
They will therefore be keen to finish this year’s campaign on a winning note.
METHSOOSA SPORTS COMMITTEE CHARGES TEAMS
Ahead of the decisive encounters, the Chairperson of the Methodist High School Old Students Association Sports Committee (METHSOOSA Sports Committee), Lady Bosede Adebayo, has charged both teams to give their best and fight for victory.
Lady Bosede urged the players to approach their respective matches with determination, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that their performance on the pitch should reflect the confidence and resources invested in their campaign.
She encouraged the players to remain focused, play collectively and give their maximum effort in their quest to bring glory to Methodist High School, Owo.
The charge comes against the backdrop of sustained support from the Sports Committee towards the development of football and other sporting activities in the school.
The committee’s interventions have been geared towards providing young talents with the facilities, equipment, exposure and encouragement needed to develop their abilities and compete at higher levels.
OWOBLOW OWOLABI EXPECTED AT OLOWO’S CUP FINALS
Adding further glamour to the competition is the expected presence of former Nigerian international footballer, Dr Felix “Owoblow” Owolabi, who is billed to serve as Guest of Honour at the final matches.
Owolabi, one of the respected names in Nigerian football, is expected to add prestige and excitement to the closing stages of the competition while providing an inspiring presence for the young footballers.
His participation will also give the emerging talents an opportunity to draw inspiration from one of Nigeria’s celebrated football figures.
TWO MATCHES. TWO MISSIONS. ONE MHSO SPIRIT.
For the MHSO teams, the weekend presents two very different missions.
The Kings want bronze.
The Queens want the crown.
But beyond the medals, the two encounters represent the growing impact of school football and the importance of sustained investment in the development of young sporting talents.
The MHSO community will therefore turn its attention to Rufus Giwa Polytechnic this weekend as the Kings begin the battle for third place on Saturday, before the Queens return on Sunday to defend the title they captured last year.
Can the Queens retain their crown?
Can the Kings bounce back from semi-final disappointment and claim bronze?
The answers will be decided where it matters most — on the pitch.