Football, Not Firepower: CDS U-15 Championship Ends In Style, Rekindles Hope For Youth Engagement
At a time when Nigeria is searching for lasting solutions to youth restiveness and insecurity, football took centre stage in Port Harcourt as a powerful tool for unity, discipline and nation-building.
The maiden edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) South-South Under-15 Boys Football Championship wrapped up in grand style on 20 December 2025 at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Rivers State, after a thrilling week of competition involving teams from the South-South region, alongside Abia and Imo States.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed sports as a critical non-kinetic strategy for engaging young Nigerians positively.
He described the tournament as a clear demonstration of collective resolve to nurture disciplined, talented and purpose-driven youths, noting that beyond football, the championship promoted unity, teamwork, character building and patriotic values such as resilience, fair play and respect.
He was represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim.
The Rivers State Government, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mr Emmanuel Ndah, commended the CDS and organisers for hosting the championship in Port Harcourt, stressing that sports remain an effective platform for youth engagement and national development.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged participating youths to shun drug abuse, cultism, indiscipline and other social vices, emphasising that discipline learned on the pitch translates into discipline in life.
On the field, Team Imo State Military emerged champions after a closely fought 2-1 victory over Team Edo State, with Team Akwa Ibom State clinching third place via penalties.
Medals and trophies were presented in a ceremony coordinated by the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Tunde Phillips.
Overall, the tournament underscored the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment, proving that meaningful engagement, not force, remains key to shaping a secure and united future.
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