CNS/NOWA Cup: Nigerian Navy reaffirms commitment to youth, sports

As the 21st edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) U14 Boys and Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) U17 Girls Soccer Tournament gains momentum in Kaduna, the Nigerian Navy has reiterated its dedication to youth empowerment and national unity through sports.

The annual tournament, sponsored by the Nigerian Navy and organized in partnership with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), has drawn participation from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The event serves as a platform to identify and nurture young football talent across the country.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, lauded the long-standing collaboration between the Navy and YSFON.

He noted that the partnership has produced notable football stars who have gone on to achieve global recognition.

Vice Admiral Ogalla affirmed the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the initiative, describing it as a crucial avenue for Nigerian youths to demonstrate their skills and pursue their dreams.

He also encouraged the young players to abide by the rules, embrace fair play, and see their participation as a victory in itself.

In a message delivered on her behalf by Mrs. Victoria Bingel, the President of NOWA and wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogalla, urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.

She wished all the teams success and officially declared the tournament open.

The games are being played at two key venues: the Police College Kaduna and the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

In the U14 Boys quarter-final matchups scheduled for Thursday, May 22, host Kaduna will face Kogi, Enugu will play Kebbi, Kwara takes on Bauchi, and Niger will go up against Bayelsa.

The semi-finals will follow on Friday, with the final and closing ceremony slated for Saturday, May 24, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

In the NOWA U17 Girls category, Enugu, Plateau, and Ondo have already secured their places in the semi-finals.

The final spot will be determined by the outcome of the ongoing match between the Nigerian Army and Kaduna State.

The CNS/NOWA Cup continues to serve as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing the next generation of football stars, while promoting unity and discipline among Nigerian youth.

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