Lagos finally broke their 14-year title drought, emerging victorious at the 14th All-Stars National Veterans Football Tournament after defeating Abia in a thrilling final held in Abuja. The match was an intense battle of skill and strategy, showcasing the spirit of veterans football in Nigeria.
The tightly contested final ended in a deadlock after 50 minutes of regulation time, with Lagos triumphing 3-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Lagos relied on a blend of experience and teamwork, featuring ex-internationals like Friday Ekpo and Shola Popo, to overcome Abia’s more physical and skilful team. The victory marks a historic milestone for Lagos, who had hosted the tournament seven times without winning.
President of Lagos All-Stars, Mojeed Adegbinde, expressed joy over the long-awaited triumph. “We’ve waited fourteen years for this. Winning the cup here in Abuja is a dream come true. We hope the tournament grows even more, attracting sponsors to ease the financial burden on teams,” he said.
Lagos captain Friday Ekpo praised the team’s perseverance. “We started with just eleven players, but as more joined, we built a solid squad. This victory is a proud moment for all of us,” he remarked.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Robinson Okosun, lauded the players for their sportsmanship and noted the successful execution of the tournament. Meanwhile, Dr. Tunji Odetunde, Secretary of the committee, highlighted the event’s role in fostering camaraderie and emphasized plans to secure more sponsorships in the future.
This year’s tournament not only marked Lagos’ long-awaited success but also celebrated the enduring unity and passion of Nigerian veteran footballers.
