CDS U-15 Football Championship Closes in Port Harcourt, Highlights Sports as Tool for Youth Empowerment
By Onwe Wisdom Pan Afric Reporters
The maiden edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) South-South Under-15 Boys Football Championship concluded in grand style on December 20, 2025, at the Sharks Football Club Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with renewed emphasis on sports as a powerful non-kinetic approach to youth engagement and national cohesion.
The week-long tournament according to a press release e-signed by the Director, Defense Information, Samaila UBA (Major General) featured young football talents from across the South-South geopolitical zone, alongside teams from Abia and Imo States, drawing commendation from stakeholders for its organisation and impact on youth development.
At the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, according to press release underscored the strategic importance of sports in positively engaging Nigerian youths amid prevailing security challenges. He described the championship as a reflection of collective commitment to grooming disciplined, talented and focused young men, noting that the initiative went beyond football to instil values of unity, teamwork, character building and patriotism.
General Oluyede highlighted discipline, resilience, fair play and respect as critical virtues promoted through the tournament. He was represented at the event by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Mr Emmanuel Ndah, the governor praised the CDS and organisers for hosting the championship in Port Harcourt, adding that sports remain an effective non-kinetic tool for fostering unity, discipline and national development among young people.
Earlier, during the third-place match, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, advised participating youths to shun social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, indiscipline, peer pressure and truancy. He urged them to embrace sports as a pathway to discipline, teamwork and resilience, stressing that discipline learned on the pitch translates to discipline in life. Major General Emekah also thanked the CDS for entrusting 6 Division with hosting the tournament, describing it as particularly significant as the yuletide season approaches.
In a vote of thanks, Imo State Military athlete, Elijah Dozie, expressed gratitude to the CDS for his unwavering commitment to youth and sports development. He also thanked fellow participants for the exposure, lessons and friendships gained, pledging continued discipline, teamwork and excellence both on and off the field.
The competition climaxed with Team Imo State Military emerging champions after a thrilling 2–1 victory over Team Edo State in the final match. Team Edo State finished as runners-up, while Team Akwa Ibom State claimed third place following a penalty shootout. Medals and trophies were subsequently presented in a ceremony coordinated by the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Tunde Phillips.
Overall, the successful hosting of the championship reaffirmed the commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to youth empowerment, national unity and productive engagement through sports.
