Sports
All Stars Invitational Tourney Aligns with FG’s Renewed Hope Agenda-NSC Chairman, Dikko
Joel Ajayi
The 2025 edition of the All Stars Veterans Invitational Tournament continues to deliver surprises and excitement, with Matchday 3 producing a series of gripping results that have shaken up the standings.
Former champions, All Stars International, were held to a 2-2 draw by Ocean XI All Stars in their second match of the tournament, despite having the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, featuring on their side. The result denied them a perfect two-out-of-two start.
Meanwhile, NNPC All Stars, making their debut appearance in the Abuja-based veterans tournament, bounced back from their opening day defeat to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nurudeen FC.
Gwagwalada All Stars continued their fine form, making it two wins from two with a solid 2-1 victory over USF. However, it was another tough outing for City Gate Sports Club, who slumped to a 1-0 loss against Corporate Kickers Sports Club—following their 3-0 opening day defeat to USF.
Elsewhere, Veragold All Stars found the competition brutally unforgiving, suffering a heavy 7-1 loss at the hands of Ex-Professional Football Club of Abuja. The match between Games Village SC and Capital City seemed destined for a 1-1 draw until Games Village SC snatched a dramatic late winner, salvaging all three points and wrapping up the day’s action in thrilling fashion.
Speaking after the games, Mallam Shehu Dikko commended the quality of organisation and the rising level of competition, aligning it with the Federal Government’s broader vision.
“I’m impressed with the organisation and the growing interest among stakeholders. This tournament is fulfilling its objective and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—to create enabling platforms for all Nigerians, especially those who have served the country in various capacities,” he stated.
On his part, President of All Stars International, Nasiru Jibril, emphasized that the essence of the tournament transcends trophies or cash prizes.
“Our focus isn’t on who wins or takes home the prize. It’s about fostering camaraderie among ex-players and captains of industry—helping them reminisce, recharge emotionally and psychologically, and providing a valuable platform for networking and rekindling old connections,” he noted.
Meanwhile,The All Stars Invitational Veterans Tournament has taken the game to a whole new level, becoming the first locally organized competition in Nigeria to implement the use of VAR technology.
In a historic moment at the MKO Abiola Stadium, the center referee consulted VAR to review a potential infringement before a penalty was awarded during the match between All Stars International and NNPC All Stars—marking a significant milestone in the evolution of grassroots football in the country.
As the tournament progresses, the blend of competitive spirit and community building continues to set the All Stars Veterans Invitational apart as a model for grassroots and legacy-focused sporting events in Nigeria.
Sports
Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025
Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.
From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.
Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.
They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.
Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.
The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.
With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.
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