Awoites Interblock Showdown Heats Up as Competition Hits Knockout Stage

           Adedoyin Onajobi

The Interblock Competition has long been a cherished tradition across halls of residence within the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community, of which Awolowo Hall is no exception.

In this year’s edition of the Awoites Interblock Competition, the spotlight extends beyond football, with events also featuring basketball, volleyball, and table tennis.

The competition continues to serve as a unifying platform that promotes togetherness, sportsmanship, and healthy rivalry among the various blocks. It commenced on Friday, June 26, at the Awo Hall football pitch and basketball court, which also doubles as the volleyball court, and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

In a conversation with the Awo Hall Sports Secretary, Faleye Ifeoluwa (Falex), he described the opening fixtures as exciting and filled with thrilling moments.

He noted that participation among players has been impressive, with all blocks actively involved. While residents turnout has generally been commendable, attendance for sports other than football has been relatively lower.

In the football category, the group stage concluded with Block 1, Block 2, Block 4, Block 6, Annex C&D, and Annex A&B securing qualification for the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Annex E&F and Block 3 are set to compete for the best loser spot.

The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place on July 10 and 11 at the Awo Pitch by 5:00 p.m.

Block 1 currently leads the standings with seven points, while Mosado from Annex A&B and Festus from Annex E&F top the scoring chart with six goals each.

In volleyball, the semi-final fixtures will be held on July 11, featuring Block 8 vs. Block 1 and Block 6 vs. Block 7 at 8:00 a.m.

For basketball, the group stage matches will conclude on Saturday, with the quarter-finals set to begin immediately afterward. According to Faleye, the coordination, teamwork, and unity displayed by the basketball teams have been among the highlights of the competition.

Table tennis matches are scheduled to take place two days before the final and the closing ceremony of the Interblock Competition.