Nigeria Army has emerged the winner of the 2024 Armed Forces Games held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna State.
The Nigerian Army won the games with a total of 264 medals; 172 gold, 60 silver and 32 bronze medals, clinching the first position
The Nigerian Air Force came second with 33 gold, 103 silver and 51 bronze medals, making a total of 187 medals.
The Nigerian Navy came third position with a total of 129 medals, consisting of 18 golds, 43 silvers and 68 bronze.
No fewer than 1,600 athletes from the tri-service participated in the games, which had the theme ‘Enhancing Military Professionalism Through Sports’.
During an interview with Journalists shortly after presentation of medals, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa noted that the event brought together the finest men and women of the armed forces.
He said that the athletes showcased not just their physical prowess but the spirit of unity, discipline, and camaraderie that defines the Nigerian military.
Musa explained that the occasion, which saw over 1,600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, was essential in preparing Nigeria’s team for the Africa Military Games, scheduled for November 2024 in Abuja.
“They are a reminder that we, as members of the Armed Forces, are bound by a shared commitment to excellence, resilience, and teamwork-qualities that are as vital on the
battlefield as they are on the playing field”.
According to him, the games also reminded the armed forces that the physical and mental well- being of soldiers was crucial.
He equally said that in the face of the nation’s ever-evolving security challenges, ensuring that armed forces men and women were in peak condition was not just a matter of pride, but a necessity for operational effectiveness.
Musa commended the athletes for their dedication, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
“You have displayed the same values that make our military strong;
perseverance, discipline, and respect for one another.
“Each of you is a winner for the bravery and work you put into every event, regardless of whatever position you finished”.
The CDS thanked the governor of Kaduna, Gov. Uba Sani for the
immense support received from the State during the conduct of the
games and the organisers, sponsors, among others who also contributed to its success.
The governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani who was represented by the overseeing Commissioner for Internal security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan said, the timing of the competition was not only apt but key to facilitating the readiness of the personnel to combat the myriad of contemporary security challenges bedeviling the country.
He said that in maintaining a fighting force like the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the essence of physical fitness underscored the need for the personnel to always engage in sporting activities.
“Given the various security challenges facing our country, the men and women of our armed forces must keep fit physically, mentally and emotionally to cope with the enormous demands and challenges of our values and aspirations as a nation”.
The governor however, called on the military personnel to intensify their fight against security threats to ensure a free, safe and egalitarian Nigeria and African continent.
