Abuja Veterans Tourney: MC Steve Snatches Round 16 Spot

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

In a thrilling twist to close out the group stage of the 2025 Abuja Veterans Tournament, MC Steve pulled off the unexpected, claiming the final Round of 16 ticket with a dramatic 2-1 victory over All Stars UATH. With their backs against the wall after two losses and a draw, MC Steve needed a win by at least two clear goals to survive. And though they fell just short of that margin, results elsewhere tipped the scales in their favour, sending them through and ending the journey for Capital Sportiff and UATH.

Earlier, Capital Sportiff looked to have done just enough with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a spirited Veragold side. Veragold dominated the first half but failed to convert their chances—an error that proved fatal. In a tense finale, it was Andy Eze, affectionately known as “Onyearmy” and a close friend of the late Vitus Ekoh,a strong member of Capital Sportiff who passed away a few days ago was the one who struck the goal that many thought had sealed qualification. But MC Steve’s last stand rewrote the script.

Veragold, meanwhile, may be out, but they leave with pride intact—having played their most enterprising football in their final group game.

In other matches, Ex-Professionals edged Capital City Club 1-0 in a match for bragging rights, as both had already booked their tickets to the knockouts. And in a fitting curtain-closer to a riveting group phase, Karu All Stars edged Likeminds 3-2 in a five-goal thriller that had fans on their feet.

As the dust settles on the group stage, attention now turns to the high-stakes knockout rounds—where the margin for error is gone and the chase for glory intensifies.