By Jimoh Ahmed
In one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 Olowo’s Cup Secondary Schools Football Tournament, Methodist High School, Owo (MHSO), pulled off a dramatic 1–0 victory over group leaders Ahmaddiyah Grammar School in a fiercely contested quarterfinal clash.
Ahmaddiyah, who had dominated the group stage with three straight wins and an impressive goal haul, came into the match as clear favourites. Their attacking flair and free-scoring reputation had made them the team to beat—but Methodist had other ideas.
The decisive moment came early in the first half. Methodist captain, Wasiu Adebayo, pounced on a swift counterattack and coolly slotted the ball past the Ahmaddiyah goalkeeper. The goal sent MHSO supporters into a frenzy, sensing a seismic shift in the tie.
From then on, it was a tense battle of will and tactics. Ahmaddiyah threw everything forward in the second half, piling on pressure and threatening to equalize on several occasions. But the Methodist defense stood tall, repelling wave after wave of attack with gritty determination and tactical discipline.
For Methodist High School, this win marks a remarkable turnaround from last year’s campaign, where they crashed out early after a 3–2 loss to Ansar-Udeen Comprehensive High School (AUD) and a 4–0 drubbing by Imade College. Their only consolation then was a win over God’s Own International School.
In 2025, however, a new chapter is being written.
After a narrow 2–1 loss in their opening group game, the MHSO boys bounced back to beat God’s Own once more and held Upenmen Grammar School to a 1–1 draw—despite controversy surrounding the eligibility of some opposing players.
Their quarterfinal victory over Ahmaddiyah, the tournament’s most feared attacking side, is a testament to their growth and newfound resilience.
Methodist’s success can be credited in no small part to the METHSOOSA Sports Committee—the sports arm of the Methodist High School Old Students’ Association. Their support has been pivotal, from providing modern kits and equipment to boosting the morale of the team.
In a post-match statement, the committee hailed the boys’ fighting spirit and composure under pressure. “You have defied the odds,” they said. “Now, the dream is within reach—go for the trophy!”
They also expressed appreciation to supporters, donors, and volunteers who have contributed to the team’s progress.
With this hard-earned victory, Methodist High School advances to the semifinals as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. From underdogs to title contenders, they are now just one win away from a historic final appearance.
For Ahmaddiyah, the loss is a cruel blow. Dominant in the group stage, their tournament ended abruptly in a game that reminded everyone that knockout football is unpredictable and unforgiving.
As the Olowo’s Cup heads into its final stages, one thing is clear: the MHSO Kings have found their roar—and they are not done yet.
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