Ex-Professionals All Stars are champions of the 4th Abuja Veterans Football Tournament after beating pre-tournament favourite Nyanya All Stars 5-4 on penalty in the final at the weekend.
Despite dominating possession from the start and creating several scoring chances, Nyanya All Stars were repeatedly denied by the brilliant performance of Ex-Professionals’ goalkeeper, Ifeanyi, who was later named both the Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
Nyanya All Stars’ inability to capitalize on their chances proved costly as the match ultimately went down to a penalty shootout where they fell short and were overwhelmed by Ex-Professionals skillful kicks.
Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Like Minds All Stars edged out Corporate Kickers Sports Club, winning 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Okam Orji Okam opened the scoring for Likeminds All Stars, Kuje in the 21st minute, but Ovie Nutata equalized for Corporate Kickers Sports Club to force the game into penalties.
A novelty match was also held, where the tournament sponsor’s team secured a 1-0 victory over Team LOC.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Patrick Bassey, praised the 20 participating teams for their resilience, determination, and discipline throughout the competition.
He also extended his appreciation to the media for their extensive coverage and expressed optimism that the fifth edition of the tournament would be even bigger and better.
The event, which spanned over a month, culminated in a grand finale featuring prominent dignitaries such as the current chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, former NPFL chairman Shehu Dikko, Super Eagles interim coach Austin “Cerezo” Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Patrick Paschal, and several other notable figures.
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