The much-anticipated AMBO Unity Cup commenced on Sunday in Iragbiji, headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area, with exciting football action and a strong message of unity, youth engagement, and grassroots development.
In the opening fixtures, Ifelodun Local Government secured a hard-fought victory over Boluwaduro Local Government after a penalty shootout following a closely contested encounter. In the second match of the day, hosts Boripe Local Government battled Ila Local Government to a 1-1 draw, with Ila eventually triumphing via penalties to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), represented by the Vice Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government, Hon. Lanre Balogun, officially kicked off the tournament. He described the competition as a platform designed to foster unity, love, and peaceful coexistence among the youths of Osun State.
Hon. Balogun also urged young people across the state to support and vote massively for the APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), noting that the candidate has consistently demonstrated his commitment to youth empowerment and sports development. He added that AMBO has supported numerous footballers and sporting initiatives and would further expand opportunities for young talents if elected governor.
Also addressing participants and spectators, Ambassador Niniola Issah, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Protocol, emphasized that the tournament was conceived to promote unity and strengthen relationships among youths and citizens across Osun State.
According to him, youth development remains a key priority of the Tinubu administration, particularly through sports, which serve as a powerful tool for talent discovery, social integration, and economic empowerment. He expressed confidence that AMBO would replicate and expand such initiatives in Osun State upon assuming office.
Meanwhile, Ifedayo Local Government progressed automatically after their scheduled opponents, Odo Otin Local Government, failed to show up for their fixture, resulting in a walkover.
The competition continues on Tuesday at Federal Polytechnic Ede, where teams from the Ede Federal Constituency will battle for qualification. The fixtures will see Ede North face Ede South, while Ejigbo Local Government takes on Egbedore Local Government in what promises to be another thrilling round of matches.
The AMBO Unity Cup is expected to tour different federal constituencies across Osun State, using football as a vehicle to promote unity, discover talent, and mobilize grassroots support for development-oriented leadership.
Present at the opening ceremony are party leaders from across the Federal constituencies including the Osun Central Director General for Osun 2026 APC campaign council, Prince Adebayo Adeleke (Banik), Alhaji Sule Aderemi, Hon. Musadek Oluawo, De. Festus Olowogboyega, Ambassador Niniola Issa, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile, Hon. Lawrence Ayeni amongst others.
