The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to supporting initiatives that empower youths, strengthen communities and promote national development through sports.

Oluyede gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the  2026 CDS Abuja Military Barracks Youth Sports Championship on Friday in Abuja.

Represented by the General Managing Director, Defence Holdings, Air Vice Marshal Tony Ndace, Oluyede  said the championship had successfully promoted sportsmanship, discipline, excellence and leadership among young people.

He said the five-day championship brought together youths from military barracks across the Federal Capital Territory to foster friendship, unity and healthy competition.

“The key lesson our youths should take away from this championship is the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.

“ They have competed fairly, displayed remarkable talents and shown that future leaders will emerge from among them,” he said.

Oluyede said the Armed Forces recognised sports as an important tool for youth development and national integration, particularly at a time when the country faced challenges of insecurity, youth restiveness and abuse of banned substances.

According to him, the competition showcased not only athletic ability but also discipline, resilience, respect and teamwork, values that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Our youths have shown that sport is not just about winning competitions but about building character, promoting unity and preparing themselves for greater responsibilities in the future,” he said.

The CDS also commended the organisers, coaches, mentors and parents for their commitment to nurturing young talents and ensuring the success of the championship.

He added that the military would continue to collaborate with corporate organisations and other stakeholders to sustain youth-focused programmes across the country.

Oluyede said that the Ministry of Defence maintained a cordial relationship with the corporate sector, which had continued to support its youth development initiatives.

He expressed optimism that more organisations would partner with the military in future sporting events.

Also speaking, the representative of the participating athletes,Frederick Marcus, appreciated the CDS, the organising committee, coaches, military authorities and parents for making the championship a success.

Marcus said the championship had provided participants with valuable experience, discipline and opportunities to develop their talents.

He  thanked the coaches, officials, mentors and supporters for their encouragement throughout the competition.

“Whether we won or lost, we all came out as champions because we have gained experience, confidence and lasting friendships,” he said.

At the end of the championship, Lungi Barracks finished as overall champions with two gold, two silver and one bronze medal, making a total of five medals.

Mogadishu Cantonment came second with two gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

NAF Valley Base finished third with one gold and one bronze medal, while Mambilla Barracks came fourth with one gold medal.

Nigerian Navy Base Barracks came  fifth with one silver and two bronze medals, followed by Gen. A.O. Azazi Barracks in sixth position  with one silver and one bronze medal.

NAF Bill Clinton Base finished seventh with one silver medal, while Shittu Alao Barracks ended the competition without a medal.

NAF Valley Base won the women’s basketball title, while Lungi Barracks claimed the men’s basketball championship.

Lungi Barracks also won the women’s volleyball event, with Mogadishu Cantonment emerging champions in the men’s category.

Mogadishu Cantonment won the women’s football title, while Mambilla Barracks emerged champions in the men’s football event.

Cash prizes of ₦300,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 were presented to the first, second and third-place winners respectively in each event, while trophies and plaques were also presented to outstanding teams and athletes.

NAN reports that a total of eight barracks participated in the championship: Mambilla Barracks, Mogadishu Cantonment, NAF Valley Base, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, General A.O. Azazi Barracks, NAF Bill Clinton Base, Lungi Barracks and Shittu Alao Barracks.

NAN reports that the five-day championship organised by the Defence Headquarters, began on Aug. 3 at the Mogadishu Cantonment Sports Complex and Aguyi Ironsi Sports Complex, Abuja, ended today .

Some football fans in Aba have urged Nigeria’s Super Falcons to remain focused when they face Egypt in their final Group C match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The fans said a convincing victory over Egypt would brighten the team’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons will take on Egypt on Wednesday in their last Group C fixture.

Speaking with NAN on Tuesday, the fans urged the defending champions to approach the match with determination and take their scoring opportunities.

A grassroots footballer, Amarachi Amaechi, advised the Super Falcons to remain focused, determined and clinical in front of goal.

She described the Egyptian side as a “wounded lion” that would be eager to prove a point against the defending champions.

“Although Zambia may defeat Malawi, all hope is not lost. We need to score as many goals as possible against Egypt in case goal difference comes into play,” she said.

Another football fan, Chimobi Onouha, expressed confidence in the Super Falcons’ ability to qualify, but stressed the need to be courageous and score goals.

“Goals will be very important at this stage because the three teams could finish on six points and goal difference may determine who qualifies,” he said.

Onouha urged the team to be ruthless in attack from the opening whistle.

Also speaking, Chidinma Eke backed the Super Falcons to defeat Egypt but cautioned the players against underrating their opponents.

She said the Egyptian team would be determined to end the group stage on a positive note.

Eke also urged the coaching crew to field a strong and balanced line-up capable of breaking down the Egyptian defence early in the game.

The tournament also serves as part of the qualification pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Source: NAN

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria on its impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, describing the athletes’ achievement as a proud moment for the nation.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the team for representing Nigeria with honour, courage and determination throughout the competition.

Team Nigeria finished the Games with 24 medals—10 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze—to place seventh on the overall medal table and emerge as Africa’s highest-ranked country.

President Tinubu said the performance reflects the athletes’ hard work and perseverance, adding that his administration will continue to invest in sports development, improve training facilities and create more opportunities for Nigerian athletes to excel internationally.

He also commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support and urged the athletes to remain focused as they prepare for future international competitions.