The 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Cup for Under-14 boys kicked off on Sunday at Government College, Umuahia, Abia.
The 14th Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Cup for Under-17 girls also began at the same venue.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abass, said the competitions were organised in conjunction with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).
Abass, represented by Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Centre, Victor Choji, said teams from across Nigeria would participate in the competitions.
He said the tournaments were designed to promote talent discovery and grassroots football development among young Nigerians.
“The players are expected to promote skills, discipline, sportsmanship and youth development,” he said.
He added that the competitions had produced national stars, including Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Super Falcons midfielder Halimat Ayinde.
“I urge the players to compete fairly and the officials to be impartial,” Abass said.
The National President of YSFON, Dr Nasir Gawuna, described the competitions as vital platforms for identifying football talents at the grassroots.
Gawuna, represented by YSFON National Vice-President, Sunny Opara, thanked the Nigerian Navy for its consistent partnership in sports development.
“Twenty states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are participating in the competition,” he said.
The Abia Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the state was honoured to host the competitions.
Ananaba, represented by the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Sports, Raymond Okwa, pledged continued support for youth development.
“I urge the participating teams to embrace friendship and fair play throughout the competitions,” he said.
The YSFON Chairman in Abia, Ifeanyi Dike, assured organisers and participants that the state would successfully host the competitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abia’s Under-17 girls defeated Rivers 3-1 in the opening match of the NOWA Cup. (NAN)
