ALL STAR 24FC: FOREVER FC EDGE UNITY FC IN THRILLING DERBY SHOWDOWN

By Ekpor Temple

In a high-octane end-of-the-month in-house showdown for All-Star 24 FC on Saturday, 26th July 2025, Unity FC secured a commanding 4–2 victory over arch-rivals Forever FC at the NTA Stadium. Dubbed the Derby of the Quarter, the match lived up to its billing, delivering edge-of-your-seat excitement, intense rivalry, and unforgettable moments from kickoff to the final whistle.

Unity FC struck early, finding the net just 10 minutes in with a lightning-quick counterattack that left Forever’s defence exposed. The goal set the tone for a fiercely contested battle and ignited jubilant celebrations in the Unity stands.

Forever FC, marshaled by the composed leadership of Coach Alibi Sadiq, responded with resilience. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Eze calmly slotted home the equalizer, sending both teams into halftime on level terms.

The second half was a different story as Unity FC's attacking trio came alive. Star striker Dellums dazzled with a superb brace, while Soweto and Israel each added to the tally with precise finishes that showcased Unity’s attacking prowess. The relentless pressure and fluid combination play proved too much for Forever FC to handle.

Forever managed to pull one back through Urch in what appeared to be a controversial goal, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum. Unity’s dominance continued until the final whistle, sealing a well-deserved victory and reinforcing their superiority in this heated rivalry.

Post-match reactions:

Forever FC Coach Alibi Sadiq attributed his team's defeat to inadequate preparation. Speaking after the intense encounter, he expressed disappointment in his side's readiness, stating that the lack of sufficient buildup played a major role in their performance.

“We were not fully prepared, and it showed. The boys gave their best, but a better preparation plan would have made a difference, he said.

On the other hand, Unity FC forward Okorodo Tamarakuro Dellums, who was named Man of the Match after netting a brilliant brace, credited his team’s tactical discipline for the emphatic win.

“We came in with a clear game plan, and everyone stuck to it. That gave us the edge. It was a great team performance,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, technical adviser and head coach of 24 FC All Stars, Iniobong Thompson, also weighed in on the in-house match. In his professional insight into the overall quality and competitiveness of the game, he praised the intensity of the fixture and highlighted areas both teams could improve in subsequent derbies.

“It was an entertaining match, no doubt. However, both teams need to refine their style of communication. Unity FC showed better attacking cohesion, and that made the difference, he noted.

With this result, Unity FC now holds the edge in their recent head-to-head record, boasting two wins, one draw, and one loss in their last four encounters with Forever FC.