The Samuel Chukwueze All Stars Champions League 2025 entered a decisive stage on Thursday, June 19, with two thrilling group matches ending in stalemates, leaving group standings wide open and semi-final qualifications hanging in the balance.
In a highly anticipated Group A clash, IPOD FC and AC Milan battled to a 2-2 draw in one of the tournament’s most entertaining fixtures yet. The game, held at Ugba Primary School Field in Umuahia North LGA, featured end-to-end action, moments of brilliance, and fierce determination from both sides.
For IPOD FC, the result was enough to confirm their qualification into the semi-finals, having completed all their group matches with an unbeaten record. The team showed resilience after initially falling behind, leveling the score and holding firm until the final whistle.
AC Milan, captained by tournament founder and Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze, also completed their group campaign with 4 points. However, their fate now rests on the outcome of the final Group A fixture between Ucha FC and Amuzukwu FC. For AC Milan to advance, Amuzukwu FC—already eliminated after back-to-back defeats—must pull off an unlikely victory over Ucha FC. A draw or win for Ucha FC (currently with 4 points and one game remaining) will see them progress instead.
Meanwhile, in Group B, CAC FC and Isieke FC played out another gripping 2-2 draw, further complicating the qualification picture in the group. Both teams fought hard, exchanging goals in a match filled with dramatic moments and last-minute chances.
Group B now stands delicately poised:
Atuloma FC, CAC FC, and Emirate FC each have 3 points and one match left to play.
Isieke FC, with only 1 point, faces an uphill battle and must win their last game convincingly to have any chance of progressing.
With just a few group-stage games left, the tournament has become more unpredictable, fueling excitement among fans and communities following the grassroots competition.
Now in its 4th edition, the Samuel Chukwueze All Stars Champions League continues to achieve its purpose of talent discovery, community engagement, and youth empowerment through football. All matches are streamed live on ABN TV’s Facebook (@abnonlinetv) and YouTube (@abnonlinetv) channels, with full coverage and updates available on www.abntv.com.
As the group stages wrap up, all eyes are on the final fixtures that will determine who moves into the semi-finals of one of Abia’s most celebrated football tournaments.
