Sports

Abuja All Stars Invitational: Lugbe Stuns All Stars International, USF Crush Capital City, Ex-Professionals Scrape Through as Quarterfinal Lineup Emerges

Published

1 year ago

August 3, 2025

For the second year running, All Stars International have bowed out in dramatic fashion at the ongoing Abuja All Stars International Invitational Tournament, crashing out to Lugbe All Stars in a nail-biting round of 16 clash.

Boasting a star-studded lineup featuring ex-internationals like Taiwo Enegwa, Patrick Paschal, and National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, All Stars International started brightly, piling pressure on Lugbe — a side that barely made it out of the group stage. Their early dominance paid off with a well-taken goal in the first half.

However, the tide turned after the break.

Lugbe All Stars came out rejuvenated, swarming the midfield and launching relentless attacks. Despite going down to 10 men after a red card, they refused to back down. Then came the turning point — a controversial penalty after a reckless shove inside the box. The initial spot-kick was saved, but a retake was ordered as the All Stars goalkeeper stepped off his line. The second time of asking, Lugbe made no mistake.

The match ended 1-1 in regulation time and headed to penalties, where Lugbe All Stars held their nerve to triumph 3-2, sending All Stars International packing once again.

Elsewhere, the fireworks continued.

All Stars New Karu were ruthless against debutants NNPC, firing on all cylinders in a 3-0 demolition job to book their quarterfinal ticket in style.

USF All Stars carried their late group-stage momentum into the knockouts, dismantling Capital City Club 3-0. Their title charge is looking more convincing by the match.

In the tightest clash of the round, Defending Champions Ex-Professionals were pushed to their limits by a gritty Corporate Kickers SC. After a goalless deadlock, they needed penalties to advance, holding their nerve to win 4-2.

As the quarterfinals loom, the Abuja football jungle has thinned. Now, only the bold, the battle-hardened, and the brave remain. The hunt for glory is well and truly on.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

1 day ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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