The countdown has begun for the 2026 edition of the Abuja All-Stars International Invitational Veterans Tournament, following the official group-stage draw held at the FIFA Goal Project, Package B, of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The draw ceremony was supervised by former Super Eagles star and coach Samson Siasia alongside former Super Eagles coordinator Patrick Pascal, ensuring a transparent and credible process ahead of what promises to be one of Nigeria’s biggest veterans football competitions.
A total of 21 veteran teams have been drawn into four, setting the stage for weeks of exciting football action.
Group Stage Draw
Group A
Nyanya All Stars
All Stars Aleita
City Gate Sports Club
Timeless Titan
Like Minds All Stars
Group B
Abuja All Stars International
Nurudeen Veterans
Apo Fitness Club
NSCDC
Karu All Stars
Group C
Ex-Professionals FC
Ibin Abbas
Kuje All Stars
McSteve All Stars
Lugbe All Stars
Z Michael All Stars
Group D
New Karu All Stars
NNPC
Gwagwalada All Stars
Metro City
Brotherhood All Stars
The tournament will kick off on Saturday, August 8, 2026, and will continue through the end of September, with teams battling for honours and bragging rights in the Federal Capital Territory.
₦5 Million Prize Pool Up for Grabs
The Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by Chairman Umar Abubakar Aliyu, has increased the prize money for this year’s competition, making the tournament even more competitive.
The prize breakdown is as follows:
Champions: ₦2,500,000
Runners-up: ₦1,500,000
Third Place: ₦1,000,000
With a total prize pool of ₦5 million, the tournament is expected to attract top veteran footballers, former professionals, corporate teams, and football enthusiasts from across Abuja and beyond.
More Than Football
Beyond the cash rewards, the Abuja All-Stars International Invitational Veterans Tournament continues to promote healthy living, fitness, friendship, and community unity. The annual event brings together former football stars, business executives, public servants, and passionate lovers of the game in an atmosphere of competition, networking, and sportsmanship.
As anticipation builds towards the August 8 kick-off, fans can expect weeks of entertaining football, memorable moments, and a celebration of the enduring passion for the beautiful game.
