Otti Boys FC of Abia have emerged champions of the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Cup for Under-14 boys, while Onimarg FC of Akure, Ondo State, successfully defended their Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) Cup title in the Under-17 girls’ category.

Otti Boys FC produced an impressive performance in the boys’ final on Sunday, defeating Ozalla Football Academy 3-0 to lift the CNS Cup before a jubilant crowd at Government College, Umuahia.

In the girls’ competition, defending champions Onimarg FC maintained their dominance by edging Cecilia Babes FC of Abia 2-1 to retain the 14th NOWA Cup.

The finals and closing ceremony brought the week-long youth football competitions to a fitting conclusion after the tournament began on September 6.

The competitions were organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, with teams from different parts of the country participating in the annual talent-discovery programme.

Young Brazil FA of Kaduna finished third in the Under-14 boys’ competition, while Osklean Football Academy of Rivers claimed third place in the Under-17 girls’ category.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbass, described the competitions as an important platform for identifying and developing young football talents who could eventually represent Nigeria at the highest level.

Abbass, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Victor Choji, said the tournament also contributed to the physical, mental and social development of participating youngsters.

He praised the players for displaying skill, discipline, determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition, while urging them to remain focused on their football development.

The Naval Chief reminded the young players that talent alone would not guarantee success, stressing the importance of hard work and consistency.

He also highlighted the importance of discipline, commitment and perseverance both in football and in life.

Abbass commended the Abia State Government, corporate partners and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the competition successful.

In a significant development for the tournament’s talent-development objectives, he disclosed that the Nigerian Navy had reactivated its Navy Football Youth Academy in Calabar.

The academy is expected to provide additional training and development opportunities for outstanding talents identified during competitions such as the CNS and NOWA Cups.

The successful conclusion of the tournament, marked by the presentation of trophies, medals and prizes, further underlined the growing importance of grassroots football competitions in Nigeria’s talent-development pathway.