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
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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