All Stars FA of Abeokuta over the weekend emerged champions of the Southwest All Stars Zonal Football Championship after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over their Akure counterparts at the M.K.O. Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta. The match ended goalless in regulation time before the Abeokuta veterans secured a commanding 3–0 win on penalties to lift the coveted title. The two-day championship featured All Stars FA from Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ondo States, competing in a round-robin format before Abeokuta and Akure All Stars progressed to the final. The event drew football enthusiasts and ex-players alike in what was widely seen as a reunion of South-West football icons. Declaring the final open, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, praised the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward keeping veteran players physically active and mentally connected. “It’s impressive to see former stars still committed to the game. This initiative not only promotes healthy living but also provides a platform for unity and mentorship,” he said. In his reaction, President of All Stars FA Abeokuta, Salmon Akinbo, lauded the spirit of sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition and dedicated the win to teamwork and preparation. “We prepared well and played as a unit. It’s not just about winning, but about reuniting old friends and reigniting the passion we all share for the game,” he said. Read Also: Rio Olympics: Disu charges NFF to speak up over unpaid loans With the win, both Abeokuta and Akure teams have secured qualification for the National Veterans All Stars Football Tournament, set to hold later this year in Lagos, where they will face other regional champions from across the country. The championship was rounded off with a lively gala night, attended by the players and their spouses. In a relaxed atmosphere of music and celebration, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Godson Uti, and Ekiti FA Chairman, Oloworemo Oluwole charged the veterans to sustain unity and continue supporting grassroots football development across their states.