The 20th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and the 12th edition of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Soccer Tournaments concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Enugu State, on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The week-long tournaments, which are renowned for their significant contributions to youth development nationwide, saw the participation of 19 youth soccer teams from various states across Nigeria. The event, hosted annually in different Nigerian cities, brought together young soccer talents from across the country, promising an exciting showcase of skill and sportsmanship.
The closing ceremony was graced by dignitaries from diverse backgrounds, including the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was represented by Navy Secretary Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu. Air Vice Marshal UK Abdullahi represented the Chief of Air Staff, while Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, represented the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mba.
The final matches of the tournaments were characterized by intense competition and gripping moments, as teams battled it out for the coveted trophies. In the Chief of Naval Staff U-14 boys category, the Kogi boys clinched third place by defeating their Rivers State counterparts 1-0. Meanwhile, in the NOWA U-17 girls category, the Imo state team emerged victorious with a stunning 4-0 victory over the highly rated Ebonyi team.
The highlight of the day was the exhilarating final match of the Chief of Naval Staff U-14 boys category, where the host team, Adoration Boys from Enugu, delivered a stellar performance to secure a remarkable 5-0 victory over their Abia counterparts. The ecstatic atmosphere was further heightened by the presence of Reverend Father Mbaka, who provided spiritual support to the winning team.
Individual awards were also presented to outstanding players, with Nwodo Nicholas of Enugu winning the Best Male Goalkeeper award, and Wisdom Boniface claiming the Highest Goal Scorer and Most Valuable Player awards with an impressive tally of 6 goals. Imo’s Okpara Jacklin was recognized as the Best Female Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria (YSFON) expressed appreciation to the players and officials for their contributions to the success of the tournaments. The Nigerian Navy commended the youths for their discipline and urged them to remain focused and hardworking to ensure a prosperous future for the country.
The closing ceremony was a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating week of football action, celebrating the talent, passion, and sportsmanship of Nigeria’s young soccer stars.