Double Final Delight! Methodist High School Owo Makes History with Olowo’s Cup Final Berth After Shootout Drama

The MHSO Kings with some members of the Sports Committee and members of staff of the school

By Jimoh Ahmed

Methodist High School, Owo, has etched its name in local football folklore after clinching a spot in the final of the 2025 Olowo’s Cup Football Tournament. The MHSO Kings triumphed over Emure Community Grammar School, Emure-Ile, in a gripping semifinal that ended in a 4–3 penalty shootout victory, bringing the overall scoreline to 6–5 in favour of the Owo-based side.

The thrilling encounter, held at the Sports Complex of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, lived up to its billing, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Methodist High School signaled their intentions early, winning and converting a penalty just two minutes into the game. Their talismanic captain confidently dispatched the spot-kick after being brought down en route to goal.

Emure Grammar School, undeterred, leveled the score in the 19th minute with a brilliant header off a well-taken corner kick. That equalizer energized both teams as they went head-to-head in a tightly contested first half that ended 1–1.

The second half resumed with Emure quickly taking the lead, making it 2–1 after capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Their striker pounced on a loose ball and slotted it beyond the MHSO goalkeeper to shift the momentum in their favor.

But the Kings of Owo refused to go down quietly. A foul on MHSO’s creative midfielder Joseph Blessing just outside the 18-yard box gave the team another chance. Stepping up once more, the MHSO captain curled a perfect free-kick over the wall and past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper, restoring parity at 2–2.

With no further goals during regular time, the match went into penalties — a test of grit, nerve, and precision. Methodist High School converted four of their five kicks, while Emure Community Grammar School managed to score only three. The victory sealed a 6–5 aggregate win for the Owo boys, sending their fans into a euphoric celebration.

With this hard-earned win, the MHSO male team has now matched the achievement of their female counterparts, who earlier reached the final of the maiden edition of the Olowo’s Cup Female Football Tournament. Methodist High School becomes the first institution in the history of the competition to have both male and female teams qualify for the final in the same year.

Reacting to the historic double qualification, Chairperson of the METHSOOSA Sports Committee, Lady Bosede Adebayo, expressed immense pride and joy. She hailed the achievement as “a proud moment for our school and a testament to the talent and determination of our young athletes.”

She urged both teams to stay focused on the ultimate goal — winning both trophies. “This is a golden opportunity. We are on the brink of history. Let’s finish what we started,” she said, calling on supporters, alumni, and stakeholders to maintain their backing.

Lady Adebayo also extended heartfelt appreciation to all committee members, alumni, donors, and the school management for their unwavering support. In particular, she commended the efforts of the school’s kitchen staff and those overseeing player welfare. “The commitment of those ensuring the players are well-fed and cared for cannot go unnoticed. Their work behind the scenes has been crucial,” she noted.

The METHSOOSA Sports Committee reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing talent and sustaining sports development at Methodist High School. They encouraged more old students and benefactors to join in supporting the school’s vibrant sports programme.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated final has been postponed to a yet-to-be-announced date. However, sources indicate that the match is likely to coincide with the iconic Igogo Festival, potentially giving the event even greater cultural resonance and drawing wider attention.

For now, Methodist High School celebrates a rare and remarkable milestone — a double ticket to the finals. The dream is alive, and the quest for a historic double triumph continues.