By Aderonke Ojo
….All-Stars Int’l FC to face NNPC All-Stars FC In opener of Abuja Veterans Invitational
The fifth edition of the annual Abuja Veterans All Stars Invitational Cup will begin on June 14 with 22 clubs based in the nation’s capital; in contention for the trophy and five million naira for grabs.
The opening match ceremony will Hosts, Abuja All Stars international FC against Nigeria National Petroleum Company limited FC( debutant) in Group B.
All-Stars International winning the first three editions. After narrowly missed out on the fourth edition title last year.
The draw, which drew many former footballers, was conducted by the trio of Stanley Ike-Richard, the draw Director , Ebenezer Ajilore as the draw assisted 1 and Musa Santos as the 2nd assistant draw.
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) .
Speaking after the draw,Patrick Bassey, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the All Stars Football Tournament, said the tournament is in its fifth edition, and God has been helping to improve every year.
“ The tournament has been noted for its opportunities to give retired professional footballers, philanthropists and football enthusiasts alike a platform to keep fit.
“ Also reminiscing their football skills, artistry and relieving the past to football fans, will see 22 teams battling for supremacy in this year’s edition.
“ We are grateful to our sponsors, particularly Mr. Nduka Ajaibe, who has been instrumental in securing sponsorships,” he said.
He said this is the first time we are having three football pitches: the main bowl of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Training Pitch A, and the FIFA Goal Project Pitch at Package B.
He explained that matches would be held only on Saturdays, and a total of six to ten matches will be played on match day.
“ If we have ten matches, the main bowl won’t be able to accommodate them, so we will use other pitches to achieve our set up objectives,” he said.
Bassey thanked the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, for allowing the use of the media center and main bowl for the competition.
“ I wished all teams the best of luck and invited everyone to proceed with the draw.
“ Expressed gratitude to all present, thanking patrons, elders, participating teams, members of All Stars International Football Clubs of Abuja, and the press.
“ Our brand Ambassador for the tournament are Austin Eguavoen, who is the technical director of NFF, former Super Eagles internationals, Samson Siasia and Mutiu Adepoju , and Emmanuel Amunike,” he said.
Three-time champions All-Stars International FC to face debutants NNPC All-Stars FC in the opening match of the 2025 Abuja All-Stars Veterans Invitational Tournament on June 14.