Gwagwalada All Stars Unstoppable, Ex-Professionals Hit Veragold for Seven, All Stars International Stumble as Abuja Veterans Tourney Reaches New Heights
State Correspondent
The 2025 All Stars Veterans Invitational Tournament is living up to its billing, with Matchday 3 delivering high drama, heavy scorelines, and shifting fortunes that have shaken the competition.
Former champions All Stars International were denied back-to-back wins after being held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Ocean XI All Stars, despite fielding the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko. The result puts a dent in their title hopes.
Debutants NNPC All Stars responded well to their opening day defeat, grinding out a 1-1 draw against Nurudeen FC in a tense encounter.
Gwagwalada All Stars continued their dominant run, securing a second straight win with a composed 2-1 victory over USF. In contrast, City Gate Sports Club’s struggles deepened, falling 1-0 to Corporate Kickers after a previous 3-0 loss to USF.
The biggest statement came from Ex-Professional FC of Abuja, who dismantled Veragold All Stars with a commanding 7-1 victory, underscoring the wide gap in experience and cohesion. Meanwhile, Games Village SC left it late to snatch a 2-1 win over Capital City SC in a match that looked destined for a draw.
Speaking after the day’s action, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko praised the tournament’s structure and growing impact, linking it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I’m truly impressed by the organisation and enthusiasm from stakeholders. This tournament is not just about football; it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda by providing platforms for Nigerians—especially former professionals—to engage, network, and contribute meaningfully to society,” Dikko said.
All Stars International President, Nasiru Jibril, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the goal of the tournament goes beyond competition.
“It’s not about who wins or what prize is taken home. Our aim is to build camaraderie among ex-players and industry leaders, help them reconnect, recharge emotionally and mentally, and create lasting professional bonds,” he explained.
In a landmark development, the tournament made history by becoming the first locally organized football event in Nigeria to adopt VAR technology. During the clash between All Stars International and NNPC All Stars at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the referee consulted VAR to review a potential infringement before awarding a penalty—a moment that marks a major step forward in grassroots football officiating.
As the competition gathers momentum, the All Stars Veterans Invitational continues to raise the bar, blending spirited rivalry with legacy-building, and setting a gold standard for community-driven sports events in Nigeria.
