Warri, Delta State — The ancient oil city of Warri was thrown into a carnival-like atmosphere at the weekend as His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, celebrated his fourth coronation anniversary with a star-studded novelty football match that pitched Nigerian football legends against local dignitaries.
The palace grounds erupted in excitement as former Super Eagles and Arsenal icon, Nwankwo Kanu, alongside Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Augustine Eguavoen, Emmanuel Amunike, Mutiu Adepoju, Ifeanyi Udeze, Julius Aghahowa, Garba Lawal and others, laced their boots once again to honour the Warri monarch.
The novelty encounter, which drew thousands of enthusiastic spectators, saw the Chevron All-Stars square up against the Iwere All-Stars, a team made up of local government leaders, chiefs, and community figures. Before kickoff, a female novelty match and traditional Itsekiri dance performances set the tone for an afternoon that fused sport, culture, and royalty.
Ikpeba, speaking ahead of the game, praised the monarch’s embrace of football as a unifying tool. “What the Olu has done is not just about football; it is about celebrating community, heritage, and the power of sport to bring people together,” the former African Footballer of the Year said.
The Olu, whose reign has been marked by strong advocacy for youth development, innovation, and cultural revival, personally welcomed the legends and commended their enduring contributions to Nigerian football.
Beyond the football spectacle, the week-long celebrations featured praise and worship sessions, traditional regattas, youth competitions, and the commissioning of an 80-bed Mother-and-Child Hospital in Ugbuwangue by the Federal Government.
The festivities climaxed with the conferment of the prestigious Royal Order of Iwẹrẹ on distinguished sons and daughters of the kingdom, including Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Tara Fela-Durotoye, for their contributions to faith, healthcare, and national development.
In his closing thanksgiving service, Ogiame Atuwatse III expressed gratitude to God and reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of Warri Kingdom, stressing that his reign will continue to blend tradition with modern aspirations.
The celebrations, marked by glamour, sportsmanship, and cultural pride, underscored the monarch’s vision of a Warri Kingdom rooted in heritage yet poised for greater socio-economic advancement.
