Nigerian Navy reaffirms youth empowerment through sports at CNS/NOWA Cup in Kaduna

By Dayo Awoniyi

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and national unity through sports as the 21st edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) U14 Boys and Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) U17 Girls Soccer Tournament kicked off in Kaduna.

The annual grassroots football event, organized in collaboration with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), has attracted teams from 18 states across the country, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, lauded the enduring partnership between the Navy and YSFON, noting that the tournament has over the years produced football talents who have gone on to achieve international recognition.

“The Navy is committed to sustaining this initiative, which provides a crucial avenue for Nigerian youths to demonstrate their skills and pursue their dreams,” said Vice Admiral Ogalla, while encouraging participants to embrace discipline, fair play, and teamwork.

Also addressing the gathering, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogalla, President of NOWA and wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, charged the young athletes to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.

“I wish all the teams success and officially declare the tournament open,” she said.

In the U14 Boys category, the quarter-final lineup features Kaduna vs. Kogi, Enugu vs. Kebbi, Kwara vs. Bauchi, and Niger vs. Bayelsa. Semifinal and final matches will follow, with the closing ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

Meanwhile, in the NOWA U17 Girls category, Enugu, Plateau, and Ondo have booked their places in the semifinals. The final slot will be determined by the outcome of the ongoing match between the Nigerian Army and host state Kaduna.