The maiden edition of the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, South-South Under-15 Boys Football Championship has ended in grand style in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with renewed calls for sustained youth engagement through sports.
The call was made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, during the closing ceremony of the tournament held on December 20 at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, according to a statement issued by Defence Headquarters Nigeria.
Oluyede described sports as a vital non-kinetic tool for positively engaging young people amid Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that the championship showed a collective commitment to grooming disciplined, talented and focused youths. He added that beyond football, the competition promoted unity, teamwork, character building and values such as discipline, resilience, fair play and respect. The CDS was represented at the event by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim.
Also speaking, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Mr Emmanuel Ndah, commended the CDS and organisers for hosting the tournament in Port Harcourt. He said the competition strengthened unity and discipline among participants from the South-South region, as well as Abia and Imo States, while reinforcing sports as a tool for youth engagement and national development.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, advised the youths to avoid drug abuse, cultism and other social vices. He urged them to embrace sports as a means of building discipline and good character, stressing that discipline in sports reflects discipline in everyday life.
Team Imo State Military emerged champions after defeating Team Edo State 2–1 in the final match. Team Edo State finished second, while Team Akwa Ibom State secured third place after a penalty shootout.
The tournament ended with the presentation of medals and trophies, coordinated by the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Tunde Phillips, underscoring the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to youth empowerment and positive engagement.
