Abuja: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced that the 2026 Abuja Military Barracks Youth Sports Championship is set to enhance youth development, discipline, unity, and talent discovery among young individuals residing in military barracks. Oluyede made this statement during the championship’s opening ceremony in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Adm. Saburi Lawal, aims to gather youths from various military barracks across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote friendship, encourage healthy competition, and foster mutual cooperation. The initiative seeks to instill values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and excellence in participants.
The championship, organized by the Defence Headquarters, spans five days from August 3 to August 7, held at the Mogadishu Cantonment Sports Complex and Aguyi Ironsi Sports Complex in Abuja. Oluyede praised the efforts of organizers, coaches, trainers, and off
icials for their dedication to the championship’s success and encouraged participants to uphold discipline, fairness, and respect throughout the competition.
Rear Adm. Saburi Lawal, speaking with media after the day’s football matches, highlighted the championship’s role in engaging military barracks’ children during the long school vacation. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s strategy to tackle insecurity by involving youths in constructive activities that minimize their risk of exposure to crime and extremism.
Lawal revealed that scouts and mentors are actively monitoring the competition to identify and nurture outstanding talents for future progress in higher-level competitions. He added that the Defence Headquarters aims to expand the championship beyond Abuja, with future editions incorporating state qualifiers leading to a national championship. Additionally, the Armed Forces are committed to gender inclusion, providing equal opportunities for both boys and girls to
participate and showcase their talents.
Rear Adm. Gideon Kachim, Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasized the CDS’ dedication to youth empowerment and sports development. He asserted that the competition would foster friendship, teamwork, and discipline among participants while serving as a platform for discovering future sporting talents. Distinguished retired senior military officers have been enlisted as mentors, observers, and scouts to support the participants.
NAN reports that the men’s football event features eight teams, while the women’s competition includes four teams. Participating barracks include Mambilla Barracks, Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks, NAF Valley Base, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, General A.O. Azazi Barracks, NAF Bill Clinton Base, Shittu Alao Barracks, and Lungi Barracks. In the women’s football final, Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks triumphed over NAF Bill Clinton Base 4-2 on penalties. In the men’s matches, General A.O. Azazi Barracks defeated Nigerian Navy Base Barracks 4-0,
and Lungi Barracks won against NAF Bill Clinton Base 5-0. The championship also includes volleyball, basketball, and a roller-skating exhibition, with ongoing competitions at the designated venues.