Mogadishu Barracks lifted the first trophy of the 2026 Abuja Military Barracks Youth Championship after defeating NAF Base Bill Clinton Barracks 4-2 on penalties in the women’s football final, as military authorities renewed their commitment to using sports to develop young people.
The champions held their nerve in the shootout after both teams finished 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Earlier, NAF Valley secured third place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nigerian Navy Barracks.
Military authorities formally declared the championship open in Abuja, describing the tournament as part of a broader strategy to promote discipline, teamwork, leadership and national unity among youths living in military barracks.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, said the Armed Forces viewed sport as a powerful tool for building future leaders.
“This championship is more than a competition; it is a platform to strengthen unity, discipline and brotherhood among youths from our various barracks.
Through sports, we are building leaders, promoting excellence and creating opportunities for our young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the initiative reflects the military’s determination to engage young people positively and reduce youth restiveness through organised sporting activities.
“The challenges facing our youths today demand innovative solutions, and sports remains one of the most effective tools for empowerment, mentorship and character development.”
Kachim said the Armed Forces had enlisted accomplished retired officers to mentor participants and identify promising talents. Air Vice Marshal Abiola Amodu (rtd) is leading football mentorship, while Commodore Chima Mpi (rtd) is mentoring volleyball athletes.
The five-day championship has drawn teams from eight military barracks across the Federal Capital Territory to compete in football, basketball and volleyball.
Lungi Barracks emerged as one of the early standout performers in the men’s football event, defeating NAF Base Bill Clinton Barracks 5-0 before recording another commanding 3-0 victory over General Azazi Barracks.
General Azazi also defeated Nigerian Navy Barracks 5-0, while Shittu Alao Barracks overcame NAF Valley 2-0.
Lungi maintained its impressive form in volleyball, recording victories over Nigerian Navy Barracks and NAF Valley in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Mogadishu Barracks also posted wins against General Azazi and Mambilla, while Mambilla defeated NAF Base Bill Clinton Barracks in both divisions.
Basketball action produced more dominant displays. NAF Valley defeated Shittu Alao Barracks 72-24 before edging Mambilla 39-30 in the men’s event.
Nigerian Navy Barracks beat Mambilla 41-27, while Mogadishu Barracks claimed a narrow 31-30 victory over General Azazi.
In the women’s basketball competition, General Azazi defeated Mogadishu Barracks 39-19 and later outclassed NAF Base Bill Clinton Barracks 60-30. NAF Valley also recorded the biggest win of the day, thrashing Mambilla 67-19.
Senior military officers, coaches and sports officials attended the opening ceremony, including the Director-General of the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Rear Admiral Kenny Odubanjo, and representatives of the Chief of Defence Operations
Competition continues across the three sports, with teams battling for honours in what the Armed Forces describe as a platform for discovering talent, strengthening camaraderie and promoting excellence among youths in military communities
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