By Aderonke Ojo
Vera Gold Football Club one of the newcomers to the Abuja Veterans All Stars Invitational Cup , says it is ready to make a meaningful impact at the fifth edition of the tournament in Abuja.
The club is drawn in Group D alongside defending champions Ex-Professional Football Club, Games Village FC, Capital Sporting Club, and Capital City Club (CCC).
Chairman of Vera Gold FC, Mustapha Mubdiyu, said that the team is excited about its debut and looks forward to the experience.
“We understand that everyone wants to win, but for us, it’s also about building relationships and creating networks within the football community,” he said.
He added that the team would approach the tournament with a positive mindset, aiming to learn and improve throughout the competition.
According him, the club had recently recorded victory over Ex-Professional FC in a friendly game, but he maintained that the team remains focused on its development.
“We will review our weaknesses and work on improving them. Win or lose, we are committed to giving our best and enjoying the journey,” he said.
The 2025 edition of the Abuja Veterans All Stars Invitational Cup will begin on June 14, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The opening match will feature Abuja International All Stars against NNPL FC, as 22 clubs compete for the coveted title.
The draw ceremony took place at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where the teams were placed into their respective groups.
Group A comprises Nyanya All Stars( runners up) , Apo fitness club , All Stars New Karu ( debutant) and Lugbe All Stars Club .
Group B: All Stars International Abuja, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPC) FC (debutant),Ocean 11 Football Club(debutant) and Nurudeen Veterans Club.
Group C: Corporate kickers sport club,All stars Gwagwalada , City Gate Sports Clubs and Unity Sports Foundation (USF ) .
Group D comprises defending champions Ex-professional Football Club,Games Village FC, Capital Sporting Club, Capital City Club ( CCC) and Vera Gold FC ( debutant) .
Group E: likeminds FC ( third place) , Mark Steven All Stars FC, Zemicheal FC, ( debutants) ,Karu All Stars , and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital ( UATH).