The ancient town of Oyo is set for a blend of nostalgia and competition as veteran footballers across Oyo state will reunite in a special tournament, organized to commemorate 20 years of Sensational Sports Journalism by Dayo Ojo, also known as “OKOCHA”
The celebration, themed “Time to Celebrate Excellence,” will kick off on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, with Veterans Football Competition.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday and made available to journalists by the Chairman, Sports Organizing Committee, Afe Adeniyi .
According to the statement, the tournament has been carefully structured into groups to ensure competitive balance. Group A features Oyo Alaafin Ambassadors, Oyo Bankers All Stars, Akinyele Living Legends, and Advanced Ambassadors. Group B comprises Wesley Ambassadors, New Castle Legends, and Afijio Ambassadors, while Group C includes NFCA Oyo Zone, All Stars Oyo, and Ibadan City All Stars.
Week One matches will be played strictly on schedule, with organisers insisting on punctuality under the slogan “No African Time.” The opening fixture at 8:30am will see Oyo Alaafin Ambassadors face Advanced Ambassadors, Wesley Ambassadors, Ibadan will slug it out with New Castle Legends at 10:30am.
Other matches include NFCA Oyo Zone vs Ibadan City All Stars, (12:00pm), Oyo Bankers All Stars vs Akinyele Living Legends, Ibadan . (1:00pm), and Wesley Ambassadors , Ibadan vs Afijio Ambassadors (2:00pm).
Beyond the football event ,the anniversary celebration will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Mary Callister Hall, St. Bernadines Girls Grammar School, Oyo. Activities lined up include award presentation to important personalities, live sports presentation and sports quiz.
The event underscores Dayo Ojo’s two-decade contribution to Nigerian sports journalism, particularly at the grassroots and veterans level, while using football as a unifying platform to celebrate excellence, discipline, and sports heritage.
Organisers have reiterated that all teams must arrive venue of the match , 30 minutes, ahead of the kick-off, stressing professionalism and respect for time as part of the legacy the celebration seeks to promote.
The much anticipated event promises networking opportunities, products promotion, entertainment at its peak , with maximum security guaranteed.