By Chinedum Ohanusi
The identity of four more quarterfinalists of the 2025 Abuja Veterans Football tournament, are to be known on Saturday, after four more round of 16 fixtures, would have been decided at the MOPOL field, in Nyanya, Abuja.
JI All Stars and Deen All Stars will set the tone with the 8:30 am kick-off, Pioneer All Stars takes on Nembe All Stars in the second fixture; before De Legends All Stars clash with Timeless Titans All Stars in the 2:30 pm Kick-off; whilst Aso C All Stars and Nyanya All Stars, are to round it off at 4:00 pm.
The first four quarter finalists of the 9th edition of the Veterans Football Competition, emerged last weekend, following the conclusion of four Round of 16 fixture, at the same venue.
In the fixtures played last Saturday, Zone 4 All Stars defeated Nurudeen All Stars 2-0. Daimond All Stars fell 0-2 to Mpape All Stars; Police Legends crashed out after losing 2-3 in a shootout with Karu All Stars, that’s after their game ended goalless; and
Masaka All Stars triumphed 2-0 over All Stars Mararaba, in the show stopper.
Speaking during a Radio Nigeria flagship magazine programme _Mid-Week Sports_ , on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Ladan Zubairu gave more insight on the veterans competition, designed for former footballers, who are aged 45 years and above.
“It has been truly very hectic, because we had to go as far as acquiring the App that helped us ascertain the correct age of our players. The competition is for those not less than 45, but each team is allowed just 4 players that are not less than 40 years”, Ladan said.
With the preliminary phase of the competition, concluded, sixteen (16) teams made it to the first knockout phase, and four of the 16 have also been sent packing last weekend, after losing their fixtures.
“Statistically, we only had 2 red cards (both were for second yellow cards), and we had just about 65 yellow cards, cumulatively. That tells you the level of discipline, exhibited by our players and their officials”.
The LOC Chairman also scored the conduct of fans, security, para-medics, and referees as very impressive, saying their delligence and professionalism have been huge, and the reason why the competition has been successful, thus far.
Aside of the above, we are greatful to those that have been supportive to us “Christopher Zika Mai-Kalangu, the Chairman of AMAC, Seven Oceans Nigeria Limited, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agencies, and Ramsaky Group of Companies. Our players had their vital signs checked to confirm their medical fitness, before they were allowed to play, and we thank God there was has been no serious medical emergency so far”
Last year, the winners got N250, 000:00 as prize money, but this year, the champions will get N300, 000:00, the beaten finalist will get N250, 000:00, winner of the Bronze medal will get N150, 000:00; whilst the team to finish in fourth are to get N100, 000:00″, he asserted.
Ladan Zubairu, the Chairman Organizing Committee of the Abuja Veterans Football tournament, now in its 9th edition, was a Retired Grade One Referee, and now a Referees Assessor.
