The Benin palace playfield in Benin City came alive with a high-stakes novelty football match—one of the key events commemorating the 10th Coronation anniversary of the Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II.
The glorious encounter officially kicked off on Friday evening after the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo performing the real ceremonial kick-off with absolute royal grace.
It was a thrilling clash between wisdom and youthful exuberance, as the Palace Chiefs locked horns with the energetic Royal Sceptre Bearers team led by the senior Benin Scepter Bearer, Frank Nomwengho, who dominated the pitch with his mesmerizing dribbling skills.
Sitting comfortably in royal grandeur to witness the battle were Oba Ewuare II, accompanied by his Queens, members of the royal family, Chiefs, Palace functionaries, Edo State Football Association Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, and a jubilant crowd of spectators.
The drama unfolded early when 15-year-old winger Aizenomwan Eboh wasted no time in drawing first blood, finding the back of the net just six minutes into the match — sending the young Sceptre Bearers into celebration.
Refusing to be intimidated by the raw energy and frantic pace of the youngsters, the Palace Chiefs stood their ground like a fortified Benin City wall.
Showing admirable stamina, the senior Chiefs resisted relentless pressure across all departments of play.
Chief George Obasogie, in particular, made several desperate attempts to breach the ironclad defense of the young lads for an equalizer, but the youthful defenders held firm until the final whistle, sealing a 1–0 victory for the Sceptre Bearers.
In a post match interview, Coach of the winning team and retired FIFA-graded Referee, Chief Steven Amadin, praised his boys for sticking strictly to instructions, while commending the Benin monarch for incorporating sports into the royal festivities.
Also speaking, Edo State FA Chairman, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, noted that the novelty match served as a fitting appetizer ahead of the grand finale of the Oba Ewuare Cup.
He lauded the Great Benin monarch for using sports to foster unity and youth engagement during the match.
Adding more traditional flavor to the anniversary celebrations was an intense traditional wrestling exhibition (Igba-Eze).
In a thrilling bout, current national champion Fred Osamudiamen proved his mettle by pinning down the 2018 All-Africa Champion, Martins Amasin, to take the crown, while Amasa Oko clinched a well-deserved third position, ahead of the presentation of rewards for the various participants and winners on November 21st 2026.
