Olu of Warri welcomes 1996 Olympic gold-medal Super Eagles as coronation anniversary hits fever pitch in Warri

Day two of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III’s coronation anniversary closed in celebratory style on Monday with a star-studded novelty football match at the palace grounds, featuring members of Nigeria’s Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold-medal Super Eagles alongside youthful chiefs and other vibrant sons of the Warri Kingdom.

A lively crowd of fans, dignitaries, and traditional leaders cheered through end-to-end play as sport, culture, and ceremony blended into a festive salute to the throne. The showcase match doubled as a tribute to Warri’s rich heritage and the kingdom’s enduring passion for football.

Festivities continue today with a colorful Regatta on the Warri River, bound for Ode-Itsekiri. Traditional boats and canoes—adorned in vivid colors and intricate patterns—will take center stage in a pageant of seamanship that highlights the kingdom’s rich maritime heritage and pride.