The 2025 edition of the Olubadan Olakulehin Cup came to a thrilling conclusion on Tuesday, August 5, at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, with Egbeda Market emerging as champions of the grassroots football competition.
The tournament, aimed at discovering young talents from within Ibadan’s markets, was organized by Tall & Wide Company in partnership with the Palace of the Olubadan and supported by the Oyo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Oyo State Sports Council, OSMDA Network, the Oyo State Football Association, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In a keenly contested final match, Egbeda Market secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Araromi Gate Market. The winning goal came in the 38th minute of the first half, courtesy of a fine strike from Oribayo Oluseye Matthew. His clinical finish ensured Egbeda held on to claim the coveted title and the accompanying prize money of ₦500,000.
Earlier in the day, Bola Ige International Market faced off against Owode Idi Ayunre Market in the third-place match. Bola Ige claimed a 2-1 victory, thanks to a first-half goal by Adetayo Abiodun, popularly known as Callus, in the 28th minute. Kehinde Oladebo, wearing jersey number 13, doubled the lead early in the second half, giving Bola Ige a comfortable cushion. Although Owode’s Ajele Daniel pulled one back with a consolation goal in the 92nd minute, it was not enough to prevent Bola Ige from clinching third place and the ₦200,000 prize.
The competition, which featured 17 registered teams drawn from markets across the Ibadan metropolis, was open to all age brackets and grouped into four clusters.
The grand finale drew a large crowd of supporters and football enthusiasts, and the event was graced by dignitaries from across the state. Prince Folaseke Olakulehin, son of the late Olubadan Olakulehin and Babaloja-General of Oyo State, led the high-profile delegation. He was joined by the Iyaloja General of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs) Oguntola Iswat Amerigun, and Alhaji Chief Asiwaju Yekini Abass Oladapo (popularly known as Alh. Y.K. Abass). Also present was the chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Oyedele Sikiru Sanda, Comrade Niyi Alebiosu, as well as members of the Oyo State Football Association and representatives of market leadership and community development groups.
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