The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed sports as a strategic non-kinetic tool for youth engagement and national cohesion as the maiden edition of the CDS South-South Under-15 Boys Football Championship concluded on 20 December 2025 at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the tournament reflected a collective commitment to grooming disciplined, talented, and focused youths while promoting unity, teamwork, and character development. He noted that beyond football, the championship instilled patriotic values such as discipline, resilience, fair play, and respect.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Mr Emmanuel Ndah, commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the organisers for hosting the tournament in Port Harcourt, describing sports as an effective platform for youth engagement and national development.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, advised participating youths to shun social vices including drug abuse, cultism, indiscipline, peer pressure, and truancy, urging them to embrace sports as a pathway to discipline, teamwork, and responsible living.
In the final match, Team Imo State Military emerged champions after defeating Team Edo State 2–1, while Team Akwa Ibom State secured third place after a penalty shootout. Medal and trophy presentations were coordinated by the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Tunde Phillips.
In a vote of thanks, Team Imo State Military athlete, Elijah Dozie, expressed appreciation to the CDS for his commitment to youth and sports development, pledging continued discipline and excellence both on and off the field.
The tournament underscored the commitment of the CDS and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to youth empowerment and productive engagement through non-kinetic initiatives.
