Otti Boys FC, Onimarg FC win CNS, NOWA cups
Otti Boys FC of Abia on Sunday emerged champions of the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Cup for Under-14 boys.
The Abia side defeated Ozalla Football Academy 3-0 in the final to claim the title before a jubilant home crowd.
Defending champions Onimarg FC of Akure, Ondo State, retained the 14th Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) Cup for Under-17 girls.
Onimarg FC defeated Cecilia Babes FC of Abia 2-1 to retain the title they won in the previous edition.
The finals and closing ceremony were held at Government College, Umuahia.
The week-long competitions, which began on September 6, were organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.
Young Brazil FA of Kaduna finished third in the boys’ category, while Osklean Football Academy of Rivers secured third position among the girls.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbass, said the competition remained a platform for discovering and nurturing future national team players.
Abbass, represented by Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Victor Choji, said the tournament promoted youths’ physical, mental and social development.
He said participants demonstrated “impressive skills, discipline, determination and sportsmanship” throughout the competition.
“But it is not just about talent alone. You must keep your eyes on the goal and continue to work hard,” he stated.
The naval chief said success in football and life required discipline, commitment, perseverance and determination to keep progressing.
“Success in football as it is in life, requires discipline, commitment, perseverance, and the willingness to keep moving,” he said.
Mr Abbass commended the Abia State Government, corporate partners and other stakeholders for supporting the successful hosting of the competition.
He noted that the Nigerian Navy had reactivated its Navy Football Youth Academy in Calabar to provide further training for outstanding talents discovered.
The tournament featured teams from across the country and ended with the presentation of trophies, medals and other prizes to the winners.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
UN chief seeks increased investment in clean electricity
Mr Guterres made the call during a high-level dialogue on clean energy transition and electrification, titled ‘35 by 35: Powering the Future’, in Antalya, Türkiye.
Opinion
Rudolf Okonkwo: Diary of an African travelling across Europe
The Europeans who once crossed oceans to divide Africa among themselves have now found ways to bring much of their own continent together.
Showbiz
Meta deactivates Russell Brand’s Instagram, Facebook accounts after rape sentencing
Meta has deactivated British former comedian and actor Russell Brand’s Instagram and Facebook accounts following his conviction and sentencing for four sexual offences.
Abuja
NSITF: EFCC continues N2 billion fraud trial against ex-labour minister Chris Ngige
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has continued prosecuting former labour minister Chris Ngige over alleged abuse of office.
Economy
Stock market loses N293 billion as profit-taking persists
The Nigerian stock market closed on a negative note on Wednesday as investors’ wealth declined by N293 billion.
Health
Domestic TB funding rose 14% to $5.6 billion, says WHO
WHO says domestic funding for TB rose 14 per cent to $5.6 billion between 2024 and 2025, helping sustain essential services despite declining international financing.
