By Tonye Orabere
The opening ceremony of the Chief of Defence Staff U-15 Boys Football Competition (South-South edition) took place on Monday, 15 December 2025.
Held at the Sharks Football Club Stadium in Port Harcourt, the event drew senior and junior military officers, as well as attendees from various walks of life.
Eight States are participating in the competition they are; Rivers ,Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, including Imo and Abia States.
Speaking at opening ceremony the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede said one of the primary reasons of the competition was to engage Nigerian youths meaningfully to to achieve national security.
He explained that the tournament is a testament to the nation’s commitment towards promoting unity, social cohesion and pride.
Gen. Oluyede who was represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim said this in his opening speech, on Monday, at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the event symbolizes the spirit of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition that defines our great nation.
“To our young athletes, I charge you to compete with the spirit of fair play, discipline and sportsmanship.
” Give your best on the field, support one another and use this platform to showcase the immense talent within the South-South region as well as make lifelong friends.
To the coaches and officiating team, I urge you to uphold professionalism, fairness, integrity and most importantly empathy throughout the championship. Gen. Oluyede said.
Also speaking the director of sports defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Philips said the tournament was to testify the vision and commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff towards youth development and advancement of grassroots sports within the country.
He explained that sports in all its forms, transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse background, it teaches values of teamwork, discipline and perseverance.
“Undoubtedly, this Championship has come at a time when good working relationships between the military and civil is mostly required to ultimately overcome the enormity of security challenges being faced by our dear nation”,. Vice Air Marshal Phillips said.
In Monday encounter team Rivers State thrashed Team Abia State 3-0.
