News
“Next Year Will Be Bigger and Better” — Island All Stars Unveil Super League Plans After Successful Over-45 Tournament
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.
Read Also: Dinice Royal Complete Dramatic Comeback to Win Island All Stars Over-45 Championship | Sports247 Nigeria
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.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has led a delegation of State Executives and members of the Ibom Air’s management team to a pre-delivery inspection of the airline’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada, ahead of its formal delivery and reception in Akwa Ibom.
This is contained in a press statement issued by Aniekan Essienette, the group manager, marketing and communication, Ibom Airlines Limited, on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to the statement, the inspection marks another significant milestone in Ibom Air’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy and is part of the acceptance process before the aircraft enters commercial service.
The aircraft is Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 and the second A220 to be received under the airline’s firm order for 10 Airbus A220 aircraft placed in 2021. Its addition marks a further step in Ibom Air’s commitment to expanding capacity, strengthening connectivity, and operating one of Africa’s most modern fleets.
The delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, head of the A220 Programme and chief executive officer of Airbus Canada, during the inspection, which formed part of the formal acceptance process ahead of the aircraft’s delivery.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, said, “This pre-delivery inspection represents an important milestone in our fleet expansion programme and brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft to Nigeria.
“As demand for air travel continues to grow across our markets, we remain focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and passenger comfort.
“The Airbus A220 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our network strategy, and we look forward to deploying this latest addition into our network in furtherance of our growth objectives.”
Eno speaks of govt’s commitment to Ibom Air’s growth
Commenting on the development, Governor Eno, said, “The inspection of this aircraft reflects the state government’s commitment to the continued growth of Ibom Air as a strategic asset for Akwa Ibom State. This investment aligns with the ARISE Agenda and our vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.
“We look forward to formally receiving this aircraft in Akwa Ibom State and to the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity will create for trade, tourism, investment, and regional development.”
Speaking on the partnership with Ibom Air, Mr Chevasson said they were honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 family.
“The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernisation, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come,” he said.
The aircraft also incorporates features that further support Ibom Air’s commitment to continuous improvement in operational capability, efficiency, and customer experience.
Upon completion of the delivery processes, the aircraft will be ferried to Nigeria, where it will be officially received into the Ibom Air fleet in Akwa Ibom before commencing commercial operations.
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