The Island All Stars Sports Club International Above-45 Football Tournament has concluded on a high note, with the organisers already looking ahead to an even bigger football programme after what was described as a highly competitive inaugural two-matchday tournament.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247 after the grand finale, Dr. Ike Okorafor, Director of Sports, Island All Stars Sports Club International, expressed satisfaction with the performances of the participating teams and the overall quality of the competition.
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According to Okorafor, the tournament delivered the level of competitiveness expected from experienced players, with no team finding it easy against the other.
“The competition went well. I won’t say it exceeded our expectations as it was very competitive. No teams were pushed over,” Okorafor told Sports247.
The tournament represented a significant change from the organisers’ previous format. While Island All Stars had traditionally staged a one-day competition, this year’s edition was expanded into a two-matchday tournament, providing teams with more opportunities to compete.
Okorafor praised all the participating teams for their commitment and performances throughout the championship.
“I am really happy with all the teams’ performances. This is the premiere of the two-matchday tournament. Hitherto, we have been doing a one-day tournament. Next year, we will still make it better.”
The tournament featured competitive encounters that produced plenty of goals, dramatic moments and individual performances, culminating in Dinice Royal Investment being crowned champions after their dramatic comeback victory over Network Times.
However, rather than resting on the success of the tournament, the organisers are already preparing for their next major project.
Okorafor revealed that the Island All Stars Super League is scheduled to begin towards the end of September and continue through October and November.
“We are going to kick off our Super League September ending and will run through October and November. It will be bigger and better as we will have more teams competing,” he disclosed.
The planned Super League represents another step in the organisers’ efforts to provide regular competitive football opportunities for veteran players while strengthening the community around All Stars football.
With the successful completion of the Above-45 tournament serving as a foundation, expectations will now be high for the forthcoming league. From a one-day tournament to a two-matchday championship—and now a Super League—the Island All Stars movement is clearly gathering momentum.
