The maiden edition of the Dr.Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku Inter-State Unity Cup Competition has kicked off at the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, FEDPOLEL, Ondo State.
A statement by the institution’s spokesman, Mr Sanmi Enigbokan, said the opening ceremony, which held at the Polytechnic Sports Complex on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 attracted a large number of spectators from within the Institution and the host community.
According to the statement, the football competition, named after the incumbent Rector of the Institution, is organised to promote sportsmanship, talent discovery and unity in diversity among student associations across state lines.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Rector, Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku, emphasised that the Polytechnic is totally committed to holistic education where academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with physical fitness, leadership training and character building, while noting that the competition is a right step in that direction.
He said, “This competition is more than football. It is about building bridges. It is about showing that beyond our different states of origin, we are one Institution, one Community, and one Nation.
“On this field, we will see teamwork, discipline, resilience, respect and values that define not just good athletes, but good citizens and future leaders.”
To affirm his support for the competition, he later announced the following cash prizes which would be given out during the final match: First Runner-Up team, ₦100,000.00; and Second Runner-Up team, ₦50,000.00.
He therefore urged the players of the four participating teams to play with passion, fair play and project the good image of the Institution beyond the football pitch.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Head Coach , Mr. Wale Ogundiran, on behalf of the Sports Committee, appreciated the Rector for his commitment to sports development in the Institution, while assuring that the competition would be hitch-free and memorable.
The opening match featured the football teams of the National Association of Osun State Students(NAOSS) and the National Association of North-Central Students( NANCS), ending in a 3-3 draw after a thrilling encounter.
At the opening ceremony were the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samson Omogbehin; Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Awe; Bursar, Mr. Ebenezer Olabode; Polytechnic Librarian,Dr. Rachael Aladeniyi; Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments/Units, among other spectators.
The participating teams include the National Association of Osun State Students(NAOSS); National Association of North-Central Students( NANCS); National Association of Ondo State Students(NAOSS); and Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU).
Six matches are expected to be played among the participating teams before the final match tentatively fixed for July.
