Royal Elite Football Club hosted Rock Stars FC at FAANS, Calabar on 27 February 2025, with kick-off at 4:00pm in a highly competitive friendly match that ended in a 2-2 stalemate after 90 minutes of intense football. The game showcased tactical adjustments and moments of individual brilliance as both sides battled for supremacy on home turf.
Royal Elite lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Emmanuel Asuquo in goal. The defensive line consisted of Emmanuel Ini at right back, Miracle Ude and Jerry Ambassador as central defenders, and George Etim on the left flank. In midfield, Daniel Umoh and Christian Ekong operated as the two central midfielders tasked with both defensive duties and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the attacking trio featured Marvellous Effiong on the right wing, Samuel Aniedi in the central attacking midfield role, and Osang Hopewell on the left. Leading the line was striker Emmanuel Okoh, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances created by the midfielders. The substitutes bench included Emediong Samuel, David Edet, Ekemini Offiong, Emmanuel Michael, Abbey Collins, Agube Peter, Stephen Ita, and Wisdom Uba.
The match began with Royal Elite looking to impose their rhythm through midfield control and wide play. However, tactical changes came early when Marvellous Effiong was replaced by Emediong Samuel in the 35th minute, a move signalling a shift in approach. Just a minute later, Daniel Umoh received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a caution that hinted at the physical nature of the contest.
Royal Elite broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute through Emmanuel Okoh, who unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box, catching the opposition goalkeeper off guard. This goal was a testament to Okoh’s shooting prowess and gave the hosts a deserved lead heading into the interval.
The break saw a flurry of substitutions from Royal Elite as they sought to refresh the squad and alter the dynamics. David Edet replaced the booked Daniel Umoh, Ekemini Offiong came on for Emmanuel Ini, Emmanuel Michael took over from goalkeeper Emmanuel Asuquo, and Abbey Collins was introduced for Emmanuel Okoh. These changes indicated a tactical reset aimed at maintaining control and adding fresh legs to the side.
Rock Stars FC responded strongly in the second half, equalising in the 57th minute with a headed goal from outside the box, demonstrating their aerial threat. The visitors then made their own tactical substitution, bringing on Agube Peter for Christian Ekong in the 58th minute to bolster midfield presence.
The momentum swung further in Rock Stars’ favour when they scored again in the 76th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the area, doubling their advantage and putting Royal Elite under significant pressure. Royal Elite reacted by introducing Stephen Ita for Osang Hopewell in the 73rd minute and later Wisdom Uba for George Etim in the 80th minute, seeking to regain foothold on the left side of defence and attack.
A yellow card was shown to a Rock Stars player in the 81st minute for serious foul play, reflecting the increasing intensity and physicality of the match. Royal Elite’s persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Wisdom Uba scored from close range inside the box, finishing a short pass from Stephen Ita with a precise right-footed shot to level the scores once again.
The closing stages saw Miracle Ude cautioned for a bad tackle in the 85th minute, underscoring the fierce battle in central defence. Despite chances for both sides, neither could find a winning goal, and the match concluded as a 2-2 draw.
Referee Ballack managed the game with authority, overseeing a contest marked by tactical substitutions and competitive spirit. Royal Elite’s 4-2-3-1 formation allowed for fluid attacking play and midfield solidity, but Rock Stars FC’s resilience and clinical finishing ensured they shared the spoils in this entertaining friendly encounter.
