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By Tahiru Ahmed, Abuja

A total of 20 teams will size one another to decide who gets the larger share of the ₦2.3 million prize money in the 4th edition of the Abuja Veterans Football Tournament which starts on Saturday next week.

The three best teams will share a total sum of two million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira prize money on the final day. The Winners will go home with the sum of ₦1, 000, 000.000, the second best team will pocket ₦750, 000.00 while the 3rd placed team will smile home with ₦500, 000.00.

Organisers of the tournament disclosed this during the draw held at the FIFA Goal Project, Moshood Abiola National stadium, Abuja on Wednesday with defending champions Abuja All Stars and City Gate All Stars squaring up in opening day.

The tournament, which now features 20 teams vying for the ultimate prize and bragging rights for the next year, has seen significant growth since its first edition, which only had 8 teams. Speaking at the event, Abuja All Stars President, Nasir Jubril, emphasized the importance of participation, networking, and fostering camaraderie among former international and retiring footballers.

“Abuja All Stars won the last edition of the competition, but I truly hope another team can claim the title this year. The goal should go beyond winning; it should be about participating, building new networks, and creating a spirit of camaraderie among members. I hope everyone keeps this in mind,” Jubril stated.

Patrick Bassey, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and national U15 coach, highlighted the unprecedented increase in participants for this edition. He also mentioned that, due to capacity constraints, some teams had to be turned away. To address this issue, a qualifying round will be introduced in the next edition to determine the final participants.

The competition kicks off on August 31, with six matches scheduled for Saturday and four for Sunday. The winner will take home one million naira, while the runner-up will receive seven hundred and fifty thousand naira, the third-place team five hundred thousand naira, and the fourth-place team two hundred and fifty thousand naira.

Here’s the grouping for the fourth edition of the Abuja Veterans Tournament:

Group A

Abuja All Stars (Champions)
City Gate All Stars
Corporate Kickers
Jabi All Stars

Group B
Nyanya All Stars
University of Abuja
Mark Steve
Lugbe All Stars

Group C
Gwagwalada All Stars
Unity Foundation All Stars
LINKE MINDS All Stars
Capital Sportif

Group D
Apo Fitness Club
Kuje All Stars
Police Machines Legends
Nurudeen Veterans Cup

Group E
Games Village FC
Karu All Stars
Ex-Professionals
Capital City Club