By Law Ibitoye
Igede Baptist High School has emerged winner of the 2026 Agbeyewa Cup after defeating Community High School, Osin-Ekiti, 3–2 in a thrilling final at the Oluyede Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, to claim the ₦1 million grand prize and the competition’s trophy.
The final marked the climax of the fourth edition of the tournament organised by Agbeyewa Farms to discover young football talents, promote grassroots sports development and provide opportunities for students to advance their football careers.
The encounter attracted a large crowd of football enthusiasts, community leaders, education stakeholders and staff of Agbeyewa Farms. Speaking at the presentation of the trophy, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, said the competition reflected the company’s commitment to youth development. He explained that the Chairman of the company, Mr John Olajide, believed in empowering young people through meaningful opportunities, adding that the tournament was designed to complement academic education with sports and provide a platform for talented students to showcase their abilities.
Aiyeleso also disclosed plans to establish a football academy to nurture promising players discovered through the competition and prepare them for professional careers at national and international levels.
The Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, popularly known as( ADL, ) expressed satisfaction with the growing acceptance of the competition across Ekiti State. He said the fourth edition demonstrated the importance of sustained collaboration between the company and the state government, noting that the initiative was helping to revive the tradition of inter-school football competitions in Nigeria.
He added that the organisers hoped to expand the initiative beyond Ekiti State and make it a model for grassroots sports development across the country.
Also. Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Education also commended Agbeyewa Farms for using football to unite young people and promote community development, describing sports as an important component of education and youth engagement.
Captain of the victorious Igede Baptist High School team, Michael, expressed excitement over the victory, describing it as a significant achievement for the players. He recalled the disappointment of the previous edition and said the team had remained determined to improve its performance. The captain said his teammate remained calm and focused throughout the final.
The victory sparked celebrations among the players and supporters, while the packed stadium reflected the growing popularity of the competition and its potential to promote young football talents across Ekiti State.