Enugu, Nigeria – The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu State was ablaze with excitement as the 20th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and 12th edition of Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Soccer Tournaments reached their grand finale on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The week-long event, which commenced with a dazzling opening ceremony on Sunday, April 7, showcased the prowess of young football talents from across Nigeria.
Representatives of the CNS and various dignitaries graced the closing ceremony, applauding the remarkable display of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship exhibited throughout the tournaments. Rear Admiral NC Ekwom, representing the CNS, and Navy Secretary Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, representing Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, were among the esteemed guests in attendance.
The final matches were nothing short of spectacular, with intense battles for supremacy on the field. In the U-14 boys category, the Kogi boys clinched victory in a hard-fought match against their counterparts from Rivers State, securing a 1-0 win to claim the third-place title.
However, it was the host city’s team, the Adoration Boys from Enugu, who stole the show in the U-17 girls category. Backed by fervent support and the spiritual encouragement of Reverend Father Mbaka, the Adoration Boys dominated their opponents from Abia, securing an emphatic 5-0 victory and lifting the coveted NOWA trophy for the first time.
Individual brilliance was also recognized, with Enugu’s Nwodo Nicholas named the best male goalkeeper of the tournament. Wisdom Boniface, also from Enugu, emerged as the highest goal scorer and the most valuable player, showcasing his exceptional talent with six goals throughout the competition. Imo’s Okpara Jacklin earned accolades as the best female goalkeeper of the tournament.
The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on their favorite teams, reveling in the thrill of every goal and skillful play. Despite the competitive spirit on display, the tournaments were also a celebration of camaraderie and unity among Nigeria’s youth.
In a statement, the Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria (YSFON) expressed gratitude to all players and officials for their contributions to the success of the tournaments. The Nigerian Navy commended the participants for their discipline and urged them to remain focused and hardworking, emphasizing the role of sports in shaping a bright future for the nation.
As the curtains drew to a close on the 20th Chief of Naval Staff and NOWA Soccer Tournaments, Enugu basked in the glory of victory, reaffirming its status as a hub of sporting excellence in Nigeria. With memories of thrilling matches and inspiring performances, participants and spectators alike departed with a sense of pride and anticipation for future editions of these prestigious tournaments.
 and 12th edition of Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) Soccer Tournaments reached their grand finale on Saturday, April 13, 2024){kind=link}