Abuja All Stars Veterans Tournament Unveils New Format, Sets August 8 Kick-Off
Oru Leonard
The organisers of the Abuja All Stars Veterans Tournament have unveiled a new competition format for the sixth edition of the championship, which kicks off on August 8, 2026, with 21 clubs set to compete in an expanded tournament designed to give participants more playing time.
Unlike previous editions, the revamped format guarantees each team at least four matches before the knockout stage, with a newly introduced Round of 16 following the group phase. The organisers said the initiative is aimed at promoting participation, friendship and healthy competition among veteran footballers.
The draw ceremony was conducted by former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia and former Nigeria international Patrick Pascal.
The 21 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with three groups containing five teams each and one group comprising six teams. The top four teams from each group will qualify for the Round of 16.
To ensure a balanced competition, the Local Organising Committee seeded four clubs based on their performances in previous editions. The seeded teams are Abuja All Stars International, Ex Professionals, New Karu All Stars and Nyanya All Stars.
Group Draw
Group A
Nyanya All Stars
Aleta All Stars
City Gate Club
Timeless Titans
Likeminds All Stars
Group B
Abuja All Stars International
NSCDC All Stars
Apo Fitness
Karu All Stars
Group C
Ex Professionals
Ibn Abbas
Kuje All Stars
MC Steve
Lugbe All Stars
Zed Michael
Group D
New Karu All Stars
Nurudeen Veterans
Gwagwalada All Stars
Metro City
NNPC All Stars
Brotherhood All Stars
Representing the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Umar Abubakar Aliyu, the committee’s Vice Chairman, Captain Unity Oseghe, described the tournament as more than a football competition, saying entertainment, networking and other side attractions would form part of the opening ceremony.
He urged participating clubs to attend with their supporters, promising an opening ceremony comparable to major international football events. The opening-day star match will feature All Stars International against New Redeemed FC.
Speaking on behalf of Tournament President Nasiru Jibril, Vice President of All Stars International, Barrister Aitai Effiong, said the competition was established six years ago to foster friendship, networking and healthy living among veteran footballers.
Effiong noted that most participants are aged 40 and above, with many in their 50s and 60s, adding that the tournament provides an avenue for former players and football enthusiasts to stay active while strengthening friendships and business relationships.
He explained that preparations for this year’s tournament began later than usual due to efforts to secure sponsorships but expressed confidence that matches would be played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium despite ongoing renovation works.
Announcing the prize money after the press conference, LOC Chairman Umar Abubakar Aliyu, popularly known as Coach Ali, disclosed that the champions will receive ₦2.5 million, while the runners-up and third-placed team will earn ₦1.5 million and ₦1 million, respectively.
Coach Ali, a CAF B-licensed coach and grassroots football administrator, said matches will be played every Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with the competition expected to run through August and September.
He added that match durations have been adjusted to suit veteran players while maintaining the competitive spirit of the tournament.
To enhance the fan experience, organisers also unveiled a digital application that will automatically update fixtures, results and league standings after every matchday, making this year’s competition more interactive for players and supporters.
The organisers reiterated that beyond competing for trophies, the Abuja All Stars Veterans Tournament remains committed to promoting recreation, friendship, networking and healthy living while giving veteran footballers more opportunities to enjoy the game.
