The sixth edition of the Abuja All Stars Veterans Tournament will kick off on August 8, 2026, with organisers introducing a new competition format designed to give participating teams more playing opportunities.
A total of 21 clubs will compete in this year’s tournament, which has been expanded to include a Round of 16 after the group stage. Unlike previous editions, teams will no longer be eliminated after only a few matches, as each side is guaranteed at least four games before the knockout phase begins.
The draw ceremony was conducted by former Super Eagles coach and ex-international Samson Siasia alongside former international and Bauchi State FA chairman Patrick Pascal.
According to the organisers, the competition has been divided into four groups, with three groups containing five teams each and one group featuring six teams. The top four teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16.
To ensure balance, 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 LOC chairman Umar Abubakar Aliyu at the draw ceremony, vice chairman Captain Unity Oseghe described the competition as more than football, noting that entertainment, networking and other activities would form part of the opening ceremony.
He urged participating clubs to arrive with their supporters, promising an opening event similar to those seen at FIFA World Cup tournaments. The opening-day star match will pit 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 promote friendship, networking and healthy living among veteran footballers.
According to him, most participants are aged 40 and above, with many in their 50s and 60s.
He affirmed that the tournament provides opportunities for former players and football enthusiasts to remain active, build friendships and develop business relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.
Effiong disclosed that preparations for this year’s edition started later than usual because organisers were pursuing sponsorship opportunities.
He also expressed optimism that matches would be played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium complex despite ongoing renovation works.
Following the press conference, LOC chairman Umar Abubakar Aliyu, popularly known as Coach Ali, announced that the tournament winners will receive ₦2.5 million, while the runners-up and third-place 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, Abuja, with the competition expected to run from August to September.
He added that match durations have been adjusted to suit veteran players while preserving the competitive spirit of the game.
The organisers also unveiled a digital application that will automatically update fixtures, results and standings after every matchday, making the sixth edition more interactive for players and supporters alike.
Organisers stressed that the veterans tournament is not only about winning trophies but also about participation, friendship, recreation and giving players the opportunity to enjoy more football.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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