Organisers Release Tournament Format As 4th All Stars Unity Cup Kicks Off August 8

MUDASHIRU TAWAkAKITU OlUWATOYIN

The Planning Committee of the All Stars Unity Cup Season 4.0 has officially announced the commencement of this year’s highly anticipated veterans’ football championship, with the tournament scheduled to run from Saturday, 8 August to Saturday, 5 September 2026 at the Agidingbi Senior Grammar School Football Pitch, Ikeja, Lagos

Proudly sponsored By Gryn Index Initiative, Paulvic Safety Stores, Starplus Batteries, CrestPart Engineering Services and Lifeworth HMO, the competition is recognised as one of Lagos’ premier veterans’ football competitions.

P.M. EXPRESS reports this year’s edition will feature 12 elite teams competing over five consecutive Saturdays in a newly introduced format designed to raise the level of competition while providing an exciting experience for players, supporters, and football enthusiasts.

According to the organisers, the revamped structure reflects the tournament’s commitment to promoting competitive football, healthy living, friendship, sportsmanship, and unity among veteran football clubs across the state.
Tournament Format
• 12 participating teams
• Four groups of three teams each
• Group stage matches to be played over the first three Saturdays
• Four matches scheduled on each of the first three matchdays
• Only the winners of each group will progress directly to the Semi-Finals
• No Quarter-Final stage
• Semi-Finals to be played on Saturday, 29 August 2026
• Grand Final scheduled for Saturday, 5 September 2026
Tournament Schedule
Saturday, 8 August 2026 – Group Stage (Matchday One)
Saturday, 15 August 2026 – Group Stage (Matchday Two)
Saturday, 22 August 2026 – Group Stage (Matchday Three)
Saturday, 29 August 2026 – Semi-Finals
Saturday, 5 September 2026 – Grand Final
Participating Teams
1. Liberty Stars (Host)
2. Samba FC
3. Beyond Limit Athletes
4. Football For Fitness Club
5. Great Minds Knight FC
6. Oregun All Stars
7. Kitup FC All Stars
8. NAF All Stars (Defending Champions)
9. Ojokoro All Stars
10. Ikeja All Stars Soccer Club
11. Ayobo Ipaja All Stars
12. Old Trafford FC

Speaking ahead of the competition, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ashibuogwu Kingsley Afam, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to delivering a professionally organised championship that reflects the highest standards of excellence, discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship.

He noted that beyond the pursuit of silverware, the All Stars Unity Cup has become a respected platform for fostering camaraderie among veteran football clubs, encouraging active lifestyles, strengthening community bonds, and providing quality football entertainment for fans.

“The All Stars Unity Cup has continued to grow in stature with every edition. Season 4.0 represents another significant milestone as we introduce an enhanced competition format that will keep supporters engaged from the opening fixtures to the grand finale. We look forward to welcoming participating teams, football stakeholders, corporate partners, the media, and football lovers to what promises to be another memorable celebration of veterans’ football,” he said.

The Planning Committee has extended an open invitation to football enthusiasts, media organisations, corporate sponsors, sports administrators, and members of the public to attend and support the five-week championship.

With quality teams, experienced players, and an innovative tournament structure, All Stars Unity Cup Season 4.0 promises to deliver another unforgettable celebration of football, friendship, unity, and sporting excellence.