Karu Derby Finale Set to Light Up Abuja Veterans Tournament

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Abuja is set for a football showdown like no other as New Karu All Stars face off against Karu All Stars in the grand finale of the 2025 Abuja Veterans Tournament on Saturday, August 30, in what promises to be a derby to remember.

This year’s edition has delivered shocks, upsets, and dazzling displays, with defending champions crashing out in the quarterfinals and fans guaranteed a brand-new winner.

The final, however, has been made even more exciting by the confirmation that top ex-internationals will not only attend but also feature in the match.

“This is more than a final; it’s a celebration of football, unity, and community,” said tournament coordinator, Musa Abdullahi. “Having both Karu sides in the final shows the strength of grassroots football in the FCT.

For debutants New Karu All Stars, the journey has been nothing short of a fairytale. They breezed through the group stage with flair and confidence before thrashing NNPC All Stars 3-0 in the Round of 16.

A narrow 1-0 win over Lugbe All Stars in the quarterfinals kept their momentum alive, and they capped it with a stunning comeback in the semifinals, overturning an early setback to beat Unity Sports Foundation 3-1.

“This team plays with heart and intelligence. We know what is at stake, and we are ready,” captain Sunday Okoro told reporters.

 

Meanwhile, Karu All Stars, had to dig deep, they edged MC Steve All Stars 2-1 in the Round of 16, cruised past Likeminds All Stars 2-0 in the quarterfinals, before surviving a dramatic semifinal against Apo Fitness Club.

With the match tied, Karu held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties after a tense shootout.

“It was tough, but we showed resilience,” said veteran striker Ahmed Ibrahim. “The final will be a battle, but we believe experience will count.”

The stage is now set for a fiery Karu derby — experience versus resilience, history versus destiny. Will New Karu All Stars crown their debut with glory, or will the old guards of Karu All Stars prove their staying power?

As Abdullahi noted: “One Karu must fall, but Abuja will be the real winner. This is a football carnival, and fans should expect fireworks.”

Meanwhile, Unity Sports Foundation will meet Apo Fitness Club in the third-place playoff.