The stage is set, the drums are rolling, and the city of Abuja is bracing itself for a football carnival like no other, as the grand finale of the Abuja Veterans Invitational Tournament takes center stage on Saturday, August 30, 2025, inside the majestic MKO Abiola Stadium, Mainbowl.

From the corridors of power to the heart of Nigerian football, big names will converge — Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; his Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade; President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau; NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye; DG of the National Institute for Sports and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, and a host of other dignitaries who will turn the arena into a parade of prestige.

But beyond the glamour in the stands, the pitch will tell its own story.
It’s neighbor versus neighbor, Karu against Karu, in a derby dripping with history, pride, and destiny. Debutants, New Karu All Stars, the fairytale side that has defied the odds, now stand one match away from immortality. Yet in their path stand the seasoned warriors, Karu All Stars, determined to prove that legends never fade, they only grow stronger with time.

Will the new blood rise to seize the crown, or will the old guard remind us why experience remains the ultimate teacher?

Earlier, the third-place playoff will see Unity Sports Foundation lock horns with Apo Fitness Club in a battle for pride and podium finish.

And when the dust settles, the tournament will climax with glittering awards of honor — from Most Valuable Player to Best Goalkeeper, Coach of the Tournament, and the Golden Boot for the highest goal scorer.

On Saturday, Abuja won’t just host a match — it will host history. Only one Karu will rise, and the capital city will never forget.