Edo Governor's Cup 2025: Young Talents Set to Shine at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

Edo Governors Cup 2025: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium To Host Grand Finale On Children’s Day. 

The highly anticipated finale of the Edo Governor’s Cup 2025, a grassroots football showcase designed to harness young talents from secondary schools across the state. The final, set to hold on Children’s Day, May 27, 2025, at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, promises to be a thrilling spectacle celebrating both youth and sporting excellence.

Organized by the Schools’ Sport Foundation in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Education and the Edo State Sports Commission, and proudly sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, the Governor’s Cup has grown to become one of the most prestigious inter-school football tournaments in Nigeria, offering a platform for both male and female footballers to shine.

This year’s edition has been nothing short of electric, with schools from across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State battling fiercely for a coveted place in the finals.

The semi-final fixtures in the male category are poised to deliver thrilling encounters at the football-loving Western Boys High School, Benin.

Semi-Final one, will see St. David Mixed Model School take on Ogbe Secondary School on May 19th at 12 pm. Both teams have displayed extraordinary skill and tactical discipline throughout the tournament, with St. David’s offensive flair set to test Ogbe’s resolute defense in what promises to be a pulsating contest.

The following day, May 20th at 12 pm, St. Peter’s Grammar School will square up against Agba Grammar School in Semi-Final two. St. Peter’s, known for their attacking prowess, will need to be wary of Agba Grammar’s counter-attacking style, which has seen them upset several favorites on their road to the semi-finals.

The female category has equally captured the hearts of fans, with young girls showcasing passion, grit, and finesse on the pitch, a testament to the growing momentum of women’s football in Edo State.

Semi-Final one kicks off on May 19th at 10 am with Umagbae Secondary School facing Idia College. The match-up brings together two teams with contrasting styles: Umagbae’s structured build-up play versus Idia’s swift, direct approach.

Then, on May 20th at 10 am, St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School will meet Eguare Secondary School in Semi-Final two. St. Angela’s have been touted as favorites, but Eguare’s underdog spirit and remarkable run so far could see them script another fairytale chapter.

The final matches, scheduled for May 27th at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, will serve as the crown jewel of the tournament. It will be a day of not just football, but of celebrating the hopes, dreams, and talents of Edo State’s children. The event will feature a colorful opening ceremony, cultural performances, and award presentations for outstanding players, schools, and coaches.

Speaking ahead of the finals, the Chief Executive Officer of School Sports Foundation Yomi Elijah commended the sponsor and the government of Edo State for investing in youth development through sports.

"This tournament is more than football. It’s about giving our children a platform to dream, to aspire, and to excel. For us, we remain committed to nurturing talents and promoting grassroots sports," he said.

The UK trained football Coach also praised the participating schools for their sportsmanship and spirit of competition, expressing confidence that the 2025 edition will leave a lasting legacy in Edo State’s football history.

The Governor’s Cup has continued to serve as a cradle for discovering future football stars. Past editions have produced players who have gone on to represent their states and Nigeria at various youth and professional levels.

As the countdown to the semi-finals and grand finale begins, anticipation continues to mount. Fans, parents, school authorities, and football enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting to see which schools will etch their names in gold and lift the coveted trophies on Children’s Day.