The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth development, discipline, and national unity through sports, as the 21st Chief of Naval Staff U14 Boys and Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) U17 Girls Soccer Tournament heats up in Kaduna 2025.
The annual tournament, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, has attracted teams from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, representing a diverse array of talent from across Nigeria.
During his address at the opening ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, praised the partnership between YSFON and the Nigerian Navy, which has successfully produced numerous football stars that have gained recognition both domestically and internationally.
He reiterated his commitment, alongside the Nigerian Navy, to collaborating with esteemed organisations like YSFON, ensuring that Nigerian youths have the opportunity to showcase their vast football potential.
He urged all participants to adhere to the rules of the game while encouraging them to forge friendships and view themselves as winners through their involvement in the tournament.
In her address, the President of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Ijeoma Ogalla, who was represented by Mrs Victoria Bingel, called on the youths to embody the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tournament, both on and off the pitch. She wished all teams the best of luck and officially declared the tournament open.
All matches are being held at the Police College, Kaduna, which is one of two designated venues for this year’s tournament, with the other being the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.
In the U14 Boys competition, host Kaduna will face Kogi State in the first quarter-final match, while Enugu takes on Kebbi, Kwara competes against Bauchi, and Niger goes up against Bayelsa.
The quarter-final matches are scheduled for today, May 22, 2025, with the two semi-final matches taking place on Friday. The final and closing ceremony is set for Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
For the NOWA U17 Girls, Enugu has already qualified for the semi-finals alongside Plateau and Ondo Girls. The outcome of the ongoing match between the Nigerian Army and Kaduna State will determine the final team joining them in the semi-finals.
