By: 

Chinedum Ohanusi 

All Stars of Zone 4 have been crowned champions of the eight edition of the Abuja Veterans football tournament, after edging Mbape  All Stars 6-5 in the final, played on Saturday at the refurbished pitch of the MOPOL Field, in Nyanya, an outskirt of Abuja.

Mbape All Stars were ahead as early as the 5th minute, through Jacob Sunday, but Daniel Dave drew All Stars of Zone 4 level in the 25th minute; only for Dele Ayo to put Mpape in the lead again, 5 minutes later.

The day certainly belonged to Nobert Nyong, whose equalizer on the stroke of full time, forced the shootout, and eventual 6-5 victory for Zone 4  All Stars.

In the combined 2024 finals watched by an appreciable number of spectators in the densely populated Nyanya, Karu in the FCT, and adjoining 
Mararaba in Nasarawa State; Police Legends needed the lottery of penalties, to defeat Masaka All Stars 4-1, to win the Bronze medal; that's after a pulsating 2-2 draw, at full time.

Satisfied with the quality of the competition, which he said gives veterans the avenue to stay fit and connected with the beautiful game; sponsor of the last two editions, and Managing Director of Estate Developers, Biogen Group Favour Ekene Onyejiaka committed to extending the deal by at least one more year.

The Kick-off was done by Hajia Bilikisu Ishaku, the CEO of HOMDAIL Reality Homes, and author of the book, " _The Girl Yesterday, The Woman Today_ "_ , and the visibly excited estate developer also promised to tag along, by supporting the ninth edition.