OWO — Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations hero, Dr. Felix Owolabi, popularly known as “Owoblow,” has thrown his weight behind the youth football development initiative of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
Owolabi, a member of the historic Green Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first AFCON title in 1980, stated this on Saturday, September 12, 2026, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Olowo at the ancient palace in Owo.
The football legend is in the ancient town as the Special Guest of Honour at the final of the annual Olowo’s Cup, which will be played on Sunday, September 13, at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Sports Ground.
Receiving the former international, the Olowo expressed delight at his presence, describing it as an important boost to the young footballers participating in the competition.
Oba Ogunoye said the presence of one of Nigeria’s celebrated football heroes would inspire the younger generation and encourage more youths in Owo Kingdom to see sports as a viable avenue for personal development and contribution to society.
The monarch reiterated his commitment to the discovery and nurturing of sporting talents across the kingdom, stressing that his football initiatives were designed to provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions.
The Olowo also paid tribute to Owolabi and his contemporaries for the role they played in putting Nigerian football on the international map.
He noted that the 1980 generation of footballers demonstrated that sporting excellence could be achieved while maintaining a strong sense of service and responsibility to society.
In his response, Owolabi commended the Olowo for using his position to promote youth development through sports.
He particularly praised the monarch’s sustained interest in football and other sporting activities, describing such initiatives as important to the discovery of talents that could eventually represent Owo, Ondo State and Nigeria at the highest levels.
The former international disclosed that Saturday’s visit was his second visit to Owo, following his appearance in 2025 as the Special Guest of Honour at the maiden edition of the Ayeleso Inter-Class Football Competition, organised by the METHSOOSA Sports Committee of Methodist High School Owo Old Students Association.
Owolabi explained that his relationship with Owo was strengthened through his association with Chief Kasali Obanoyen, a former Chairman of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Ondo State.
He pledged to continue supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for young footballers and promised not to relent in encouraging talented youths who choose football as a career.
The football icon further encouraged stakeholders, traditional institutions and other well-meaning Nigerians to invest in grassroots football, noting that young talents require encouragement, proper guidance and opportunities to develop.
As a mark of honour and respect for the monarch, Owolabi presented a football to Oba Ogunoye during the palace visit.
The presentation, according to those present, symbolised the shared commitment of the football legend and the traditional institution to using football as a vehicle for youth development, talent discovery and positive social impact.
Owolabi’s presence has added considerable excitement to the 2026 Olowo’s Cup final, which brings together young footballers in a competition aimed at promoting grassroots football and providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.
The final is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Sports Ground, Owo.