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
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
KSCPC, Kano flavour dealers partner to sanitise markets of fake products
KSCPC, in collaboration with the Kano State Consumer Protection Council, has vowed to prevent the sale of adulterated, expired, and unregistered flavour products in markets.
Economy
Lagosians groan as outage disrupts businesses, homes; Ikeja Electric blames TCN
“Why hasn’t there been light in Akoka since Friday midnight? Day 4 of no light. No statement. No accountability. No explanation,” a customer said.
Heading 5
Students, five ways to protect your textbooks, pens, laptops, phones from school thieves
Petty thieves exist in every society, including schools, but you can protect your school items.
Politics
Shettima returns to Nigeria after BRICS summit in India
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in 2025 and has since engaged the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and broaden its relations with major emerging economies.
World
Protests rock Syria over sudden fuel price hikes
Several protesters on Monday decried the Syrian government’s decision to raise fuel prices by up to 40 per cent.
Showbiz
Fashion, costume designer Bob Mackie dies at 87
Mr Mackie was Hollywood’s great designer, sought after by celebrities such as Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Elton John, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, and Madonna.
