Army U-18 Football Tourney Begins With 12 Teams

The 1 Division Nigeria Army Kaduna Under 18 football competition has kicked off last Monday with 12 teams participating in the week long event.
The competition is being played at the Nigerian Defence Academy Sports Complex and 1 Division Football field, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.
Tidesports source reports that the teams are from the Army, Police, Customs Service, Civil Defence, Correctional Services, FRSC, DSS and communities around the barracks.
Tidesports also  reports that the 12 teams participating in the GOC Youth Football Competition include, Junior Police Machine, Dalet FC, 44  Pillars, NAF Bombers, Divine FC, Celtic FC, Correctional FC, Young Shining Stars, Gallant FC, Obaje FC, Junior Defenders FC and DSS FC.
In his opening remarks, the  General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen Faruk Yahaya, said the competition was to enhance cooperation among security agencies and host communities.
Yahaya said it was also to enhance the welfare and development of the members of the families of personnel.
He added that most of the youth in barracks are lacking in critical life skills that will make them employable, such as teamwork, decision-making, and time management.
“You may recall that just recently, we organized skills acquisition training for youth in our barracks and thereafter provided starter packs for 345 of them that underwent the training.
“ Today, I am pleased to once again open up another area of youth development, which is in the area of sports.
“Many of the youths in the barracks are bubbling with energy which should be harnessed for nation building and to win laurels for the nation,” he said.
“I am also aware that the situation in Nigerian Army Barracks could be the same in the barracks of our Sister Services, the Nigeria Police and other Security agencies.
“Hence, in planning for this year’s competition, I specifically directed that youth teams be invited from the NAF Base, the Nigeria Police and the Kaduna State Commands of all the security agencies for this competition.
“Who knows, this competition could throw up the next Kanu Nwankwo, Finidi George, JJ Okocha, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Ahmed Musa or a new star never ever seen before.” he said
Earlier the Commander 1Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen Jimmy Akpor said the  competition is aimed at fostering civil-military cooperation as well as promoting the spirit of excellence and healthy relationship among the Barracks dwellers and host communities.
Apkor said the overall objective is to channel the energies of the youths towards productive and legitimate engagements.
It would be recalled that in the opening match, Obaje FC and Junior Defenders played a goalless draw.