BENIN CITY – It was a spectacle of royal splendour, camaraderie and footballing fun as the Omo Ada, under the banner of the Oba Ewuare II Strike Force, edged a team of selected Benin Kingdom chiefs by a lone goal in a novelty football match organised as part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
The atmosphere inside the palace field, venue of the match on Friday, October 16, 2026, was simply exhilarating, magical and rib-cracking.
The entertaining encounter, which brought together palace chiefs and members of the Omo Ada in a spirited contest on the football pitch, provided a refreshing blend of tradition, fellowship and sporting excitement in celebration of the historic anniversary.
Leading the Omo Ada Strike Force was Abusomwan, the Odionwere of Omo Ada, while the selected chiefs were captained by Chief Osaro Idaho, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom.
The chiefs’ side featured distinguished palace personalities, including Chief Ogiesughe, Chief Osague, Chief Aideyanba and Chief Ukuebe, among others, whose presence added colour and prestige to the friendly encounter.
The high point of the occasion came when Oba Ewuare II, in a gesture that underscored the significance of the match to the anniversary celebrations, performed the official kick-off, setting the ball rolling for what turned out to be an afternoon of delightful football and royal entertainment.
Following the ceremonial kick-off, His Royal Majesty took his seat alongside his queens to watch the match, as the two sides battled for bragging rights in an atmosphere devoid of rancour but filled with laughter, excitement and friendly rivalry.
With the round leather rolling, the Omo Ada and the selected chiefs threw themselves into the contest with surprising enthusiasm, weaving passes, chasing loose balls and occasionally displaying the kind of footwork that drew cheers and laughter from spectators.
Every missed opportunity, daring run and spirited tackle was greeted with amusement and encouragement, as the players demonstrated that the love of football knows no age, rank or traditional title.
The chiefs, led by Chief Osaro Idaho, put up a spirited challenge, but the Omo Ada Strike Force proved just a little sharper in front of goal, finding the back of the net once to secure a memorable 1–0 victory.
The lone goal was enough to settle the contest, handing Abusomwan and his Omo Ada teammates the bragging rights in a match that was as much about friendship and shared joy as it was about the final score.
Beyond the result, the novelty match offered a memorable moment of togetherness in the life of the Benin Palace, bringing chiefs, Omo Ada and members of the royal household together in a celebration of unity, cultural pride and the enduring spirit of the Benin Kingdom.
As the 10th coronation anniversary festivities continue, the football encounter will remain one of those delightful episodes in which royalty and tradition met the beautiful game — leaving participants and spectators with memories of laughter, fellowship and a hard-fought victory by the Oba Ewuare II Strike Force.
