By Ogo Clarkson
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Africa4Peace Allstars veteran 5-A-Side tournament paid a courtesy visit to members of the Warri-based Allstars at their training ground. The visit aimed to sensitize the team ahead of the 45-year-old and above mini soccer tournament.
LOC Chairman, Comrade Ogo Clarkson, led the delegation, which included Matthew Adjevweno and Francis Ebiwarebo. Clarkson emphasized that the tournament is specifically designed for veteran players, with a target of 24 participating teams. The winners will share a cash prize of N2 million, distributed among the top four teams.
Clarkson also announced that all participating teams will receive Nigeria Mini Football Federation-branded jerseys, while the fourth-place team will receive a special branded jersey courtesy of the Africa4Peace Foundation.
The LOC visited several teams, including Allstars International (NNPC), Ex-Players Allstars (Nana), Planners Allstars, Panel Allstars, Igbogbadu Allstars, United Friends Allstars, NBA Allstars, Ekpan Men to Boys Allstars, and Army Barracks Allstars.
Former Super Eagles player and Delta State Football Association Chairman, Hon. Edema Fuludu, represented Ex-Players Allstars and praised the initiative. President of Allstars International, Dr. Brown Ogbeifun, also commended the organizers and expressed his team’s readiness to participate.
The visit concluded at the Army Barracks soccer complex, where Men To Boys Allstars showed great interest in the tournament details. The Secretary of the Delta State Sports Writers Association (SWAN) reminded the teams to take advantage of the ongoing medical insurance for footballers, powered by the Delta State Football Association.
The draws is expected to be held at the Africa for Peace Games villages at Osubi-ugolo February 5th by 3pm and the grand final February 14th where legend of Nigeria football such as Victor Ikpeba, Victor Agali, Peter Rufai Ifeanyi Ekwueme, Edema Fuludu,Sam Sodje, etc, are expected to honour the event live.
Special guest of honour includes, his excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborewovori, Chairman of Delta state sports commission, Onos Oborewovori, Royal fathers, football club chairmen, Agent Paul Ojo Omamomo and other notable sports personalities in delta state will all grace the tournament and opening of the games village February 14.
The National President, Secretary, and all state Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigeria Minifootball Federation are expected to attend the tournament and hold their first 2025 Annual General Meeting in Delta State.