The highly anticipated fourth edition of the Abuja Veterans Tournament is set to kick off with a thrilling opening clash between defending champions, Abuja All Stars, and the formidable City Gate All Stars.
The event, which has expanded from 8 to 20 teams, will begin on August 31 at the FIFA Goal Project Center in Abuja.
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During the world press conference and draws on Wednesday, Nasiru Jibril, President of Abuja All Stars, emphasized that the tournament’s essence lies not in the pursuit of victory, but in fostering connections among former footballers and enthusiasts.
“Abuja All Stars won the last edition of the competition, but I truly hope another team can claim the title this year. The goal should go beyond winning; it should be about participating, building new networks, and creating a spirit of camaraderie among members. I hope everyone keeps this in mind,” Jibril urged.
This year’s edition marks a significant milestone with the introduction of 20 teams, highlighting the tournament’s growing popularity. Patrick Bassey, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and national U15 coach, noted the unprecedented rise in participants, which even led to some teams being turned away due to capacity constraints.
He assured that future editions would incorporate a qualifying round to manage the surge in interest.
The tournament will unfold over the weekend with a series of high-stakes matches. The champions will walk away with one million naira, while the runner-up and third-place teams will receive seven hundred and fifty thousand naira and five hundred thousand naira, respectively.
A consolation prize of two hundred and fifty thousand naira awaits the fourth-place team.
As the tournament draws near, anticipation builds for the electrifying face-off between Abuja All Stars and City Gate All Stars, setting the stage for an unforgettable competition filled with skill, sportsmanship, and lasting memories.
