By Leonard Okachie
(NAN) 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, 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the finals and closing ceremony were held at Government College, Umuahia.
The week-long competitions, which began on Sept. 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 had 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 advised.
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.
Abbass commended the Abia Government, corporate partners and other stakeholders for supporting the successful hosting of the competition.
He disclosed 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)
