Sports
Akume, Dikko, Olopade, Gusau Lead Powerhouse Cast for Abuja Veterans Tourney Grand Finale, Saturday 30″
The stage is set, the drums are rolling, and the city of Abuja is bracing itself for a football carnival like no other, as the grand finale of the Abuja Veterans Invitational Tournament takes center stage on Saturday, August 30, 2025, inside the majestic MKO Abiola Stadium, Mainbowl.
From the corridors of power to the heart of Nigerian football, big names will converge — Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; his Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade; President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau; NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye; DG of the National Institute for Sports and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, and a host of other dignitaries who will turn the arena into a parade of prestige.
But beyond the glamour in the stands, the pitch will tell its own story.
It’s neighbor versus neighbor, Karu against Karu, in a derby dripping with history, pride, and destiny. Debutants, New Karu All Stars, the fairytale side that has defied the odds, now stand one match away from immortality. Yet in their path stand the seasoned warriors, Karu All Stars, determined to prove that legends never fade, they only grow stronger with time.
Will the new blood rise to seize the crown, or will the old guard remind us why experience remains the ultimate teacher?
Earlier, the third-place playoff will see Unity Sports Foundation lock horns with Apo Fitness Club in a battle for pride and podium finish.
And when the dust settles, the tournament will climax with glittering awards of honor — from Most Valuable Player to Best Goalkeeper, Coach of the Tournament, and the Golden Boot for the highest goal scorer.
On Saturday, Abuja won’t just host a match — it will host history. Only one Karu will rise, and the capital city will never forget.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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