President of Anambra State All Stars, Onitsha, High Chief (Hon) Kenneth Onyeka, Ezechinyere Ugo Abatete, has declared that Saturday's match against Villa All Stars, Awka, is a must win game for his side.

Anambra All Stars, who won the first edition of the tournament last year, lost their opening group A match 1-2 to Obosi All Stars, a result that put his team at the risk of crashing out of the competition in the group stage.

"As defending champions, its ridiculous for to crash out in the group stage", Ezechinyere Ugo of Abatete, who is popularly known as 'Ken Biga' said.

"As you can see, we've started training ahead of our match on Saturday against Villa All Stars, Awka. Its a 'must-win-match' for us and we will work hard enough to win in order for us to qualify for the next round.

The match comes up at the Awka City Stadium, at 10am.

Obosi All Stars are top on the group standings with four (4) points after playing out a draw versus Villa All Stars in their second group game.

A win for Ken Biga's men will see them through to the knock out phase of the 2024 Babatem/Anambra FA All Stars Football Competition.

The former referee expressed gratitude to God for the amicable manner an internal dispute in the Anambra State All Stars, Onitsha, was settled amicably.

"It wasn't easy at all. But we give God the glory because we cannot do without God.

"I must also thank God because the spirit of sportsmanship amongst the members of the All Stars played a significant role in the reconciliation.

"You know that as footballers, no matter what happens on the field of play, once the game is over, we become friends again. So, I must say that the spirit of sportsmanship amongst us as former players, played a major role in the easy faster resolution of the issue.

"For now, our objective is to focus on Saturday's match to ensure that we won in order for us to qualify for the knock out stage".

"He commended the Anambra FA and its leadership for instituting the All Stars Competition especially its chairman, 'General' Chikelue Iloenyosi, for reviving football in the state and carrying ex players along.