The stage is set for the maiden edition of the Osun State Football Coaches Unity Cup 2026, as football coaches across the state prepare for five weeks of exciting grassroots football, competition and camaraderie.
The tournament, scheduled to run from October 17 to November 14, 2026, will take place at the Osogbo Grammar School Football Pitch, Osogbo, bringing together eight teams representing different zones and coaching groups across Osun State.
The competition will feature two groups of four teams each. Group A comprises Team Olafiranye, Ijesha Zone, Iwo Zone and Osogbo Zone, while Group B consists of Team Bekind, Ife Zone, Ikirun Zone and Ede Zone.
The opening match will see Team Olafiranye take on Ijesha Zone at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, in what promises to be an exciting start to the tournament. Other fixtures on the opening day include Iwo Zone against Osogbo Zone, Team Bekind versus Ife Zone, and Ikirun Zone against Ede Zone.
The group-stage matches will be played across three matchdays, with the teams battling for places in the semi-finals. The first-placed team in Group A will face the second-placed team in Group B, while the Group B winners will take on the runners-up from Group A.
Beyond the competition for honours, the Unity Cup is designed to promote friendship, unity and cooperation among football coaches in Osun State, while providing an avenue for networking, healthy rivalry and the strengthening of relationships within the state’s football community.
The tournament also underscores the importance of grassroots football development and the role of coaches in nurturing talent, promoting discipline and advancing the game at the local level.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Osun State Chapter, Adebayo Adesina, called on all participating coaches and teams to embrace the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and mutual respect throughout the competition.
He urged the coaches to use the tournament not only to compete for honours but also to strengthen their professional relationships, share ideas and contribute to the growth of football in Osun State.
He also expressed appreciation to the organisers, participating teams, supporters and stakeholders for their commitment to the success of the Unity Cup, while encouraging football lovers across the state to come out and support the coaches during the tournament.
With the participating teams ready to battle for supremacy, attention now shifts to Saturday’s opening fixtures as the Osun State Football Coaches Unity Cup 2026 promises weeks of entertaining football and renewed bonds among coaches across the state.
A graduate of Federal Polytechnic Ede, she has built experience covering football leagues, tournaments, and major national news events across Nigeria.
She currently serves as the Media Officer of Ase Ridyem FC, where she oversees the club’s media and communication activities, helping to strengthen its digital presence and fan engagement.
Ayomikun is also a writer for SportsTheOfficial Blog and the face of SportsTheOfficial across its digital platforms, delivering sports news, exclusive interviews, and engaging stories that connect fans to the game.
With a strong passion for sports media and storytelling, she remains committed to building a successful career in sports journalism while contributing to the growth and promotion of sports in Nigeria.
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