CDS South-South U-15 Football Championship Ends in Port Harcourt as Imo State Clinches Title
The maiden edition of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) South-South Under-15 Boys Football Championship concluded in grand style on 20 December 2025 at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The week-long tournament featured youth teams from the South-South geopolitical zone, alongside participants from Abia and Imo States, and was organised as part of efforts to positively engage young Nigerians through sports.
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Speaking at the closing ceremony, the CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, described sports as a vital non-kinetic tool for youth engagement amid Nigeria’s security challenges. He said the championship reflected a collective commitment to grooming disciplined, talented and focused young men, while promoting unity, teamwork, character building and patriotic values such as resilience, fair play and respect. The CDS was represented at the event by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim.
General Oluyede noted that beyond football, the competition fostered discipline and mutual understanding among participants, stressing that such initiatives contribute meaningfully to national cohesion and long-term security.
Also addressing the gathering, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mr Emmanuel Ndah, commended the CDS and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for hosting the tournament in Port Harcourt. He described the championship as an effective platform for youth development, unity and national integration.
Earlier, during the third-place match, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, urged participating youths to shun social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, indiscipline and truancy. He encouraged them to embrace sports as a pathway to discipline, teamwork and personal growth, thanking the CDS for entrusting 6 Division with hosting the competition.
In the final match, Team Imo State Military emerged champions after a closely contested 2–1 victory over Team Edo State. Team Edo finished second, while Team Akwa Ibom State claimed third place following a penalty shootout.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Imo State Military team member, Elijah Dozie, expressed appreciation to the CDS for his commitment to youth and sports development, noting that the tournament provided valuable lessons, exposure and friendships.
The presentation of medals and trophies was coordinated by the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Air Vice Marshal Tunde Phillips, marking the successful conclusion of the championship.
Overall, the tournament underscored the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment, unity and constructive engagement through sports.
CDS South-South U-15 Football Championship Ends in Port Harcourt as Imo State Clinches Title