Holders Metu Memorial All Stars, Onitsha, have expressed cautious optimism about retaining their title following the successful conduct of the draws for the third edition of the FestDine/ANSFA All Stars Tournament, Complesports.com reports.
The draw took place on Tuesday at the Anambra State Football Association headquarters in Awka. The opening match will see defending champions Metu Memorial All Stars face off against Evergreen All Stars at the Awka City Stadium on 1 June, 2025.
“It’s going to be a massive game. Last year, we played out a goalless draw with them at the Eziowelle Civic Centre Stadium. But this time, it’s going to be a different kettle of fish,” said team captain Ugochukwu Obikwelu in an exclusive chat with Completesports.com after the draw.
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“By the grace of God, we’ll retain our title. We’ve put in a lot of work during preparations, and we’ll work even harder to ensure victory.”
Now in its third edition, the tournament has received a boost in prize money, courtesy of new sponsors Monfes Pharmaceuticals Limited, makers of FestDine anti-malaria drug.
The FestDine/ANSFA All Stars Tournament is strictly reserved for retired footballers aged 40 and above.
Under the revised prize structure, the overall champions will pocket ₦1.5 million—up from ₦1 million last year—while the runners-up will take home ₦700,000, an increase from ₦500,000.
During the colourful draw ceremony, conducted by Ralph Nweke, Secretary of the Anambra State Football Association, Chief Uzor Epundu—a former Vice Chairman of ANSFA and member of the Main Organising Committee—urged participating teams to prioritise discipline and strictly adhere to the rules of the game.
“During the second edition last year, there was not a single petition from any of the clubs, and that ensured the competition ran smoothly and free of rancour,” noted Epundu, who also serves as an NPFL Match Commissioner.
“While we at the organising level promise to ensure a level playing field for everyone, I want to implore all of us to remember that no one is perfect. We must be sportsmanlike enough to accept any perceived shortcomings as human errors.”
Similarly, Mrs Cordelia Akanna, a board member of ANSFA and a retired referee, encouraged teams to conduct themselves according to the rules of association football. She also lauded the sponsors for their support in creating a platform where former footballers can reunite, stay active, and have fun.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Chief Festus Odungwo, CEO of Monfes Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Obinna Ndema said the company decided to support the tournament due to Odungwo’s passion for the sport.
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He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity and ensure the event turns out to be a ‘win-win’ for all involved—teams, organisers, and sponsors alike.
“What the sponsor wants is a smooth competition that everyone enjoys. At the same time, it’s important to spread awareness about FestDine as an effective anti-malaria drug,” Ndema said, before unveiling the enhanced financial rewards for the 2025 edition.
“Last year, the star prize was ₦1 million, but this time Monfes has raised it to ₦1.5 million. The runners-up will get ₦700,000, up from ₦500,000.
“In addition, ₦50,000 will be awarded each for the Best Behaved Team, Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and the best team in the opening ceremony march-past,” he added.
A total of 27 teams drawn from across Anambra State will participate in the 2025 FestDine/ANSFA All Stars Tournament, with the curtain-raiser featuring Metu Memorial Secondary School All Stars and Evergreen FC on 1 June at the Awka City Stadium.
By Sab Osuji
