The Abyssinia Battalion was on Saturday crowned as the champions of the 2025 Nigerian Defence Academy, Cadets Brigade Inter-Battalion Sports Competition.

The Abyssinia battalion surged ahead of three other regular cadets battalions at the NDA to emerge as the overall champions at the 2025 Cadets Brigade inter-battalion sports competition.

The week-long sporting event was held at the NDA Sports Complex in Afaka.

Abyssinia battalion hauled 27 gold medals and secured the top spot, edging past its nearest rival, Burma Battalion, which claimed 23 gold medals to finish second.

Dalet Battalion followed in third place with 20 gold medals, while Mogadishu Battalion secured fourth position with 19 gold medals.

The sporting events featured badminton, and table tennis ball games, football, volleyball, and basketball, and combat sports, taekwondo, boxing, and tug of war.

At the closing ceremony, the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Uman Yusuf, who was the special guest of honour, lauded the cadets for their resilience, grit and outstanding display of teamwork.

He emphasised that the competition not only fostered fierce and healthy rivalry among the battalions but also sharpened the cadets’ physical and mental readiness for future military tasks.

The CIC further highlighted the role of sports in enhancing battle preparedness and operational efficiency of troops.

Mr Yusuf praised the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, for the impressive performance of the cadets and the successful organisation of the event.

He also commended the instructors, coaches, and sports officials whose dedication ensured the smooth running of the competition.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the overall champion’s trophy to the Abyssinia battalion amid cheers and celebration. Other battalions and individual cadets who excelled in various events were also recognised with individual medals.

As part of the closing festivities, a novelty football match between the NDA Officers’ Team and the NDA NYSC Team ending in a 1–1 draw capped the event.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Coordinator of the Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association, Halima Ibrahim and principal staff officers of NDA.

Others included, senior serving and retired military officers, civilian staff, and members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the academy, among others.

(NAN)