The 2026 Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Abuja Military Barracks Youth Championship will reach its climax on Thursday after an action-packed third day of competition produced the finalists in football, basketball and volleyball.
In the men’s football event, Mogadishu Cantonment strengthened its title credentials with a 2-1 victory over NAF Valley before defeating Shittu Alao Barracks 3-0. Mambilla Barracks also maintained an impressive run, beating Shittu Alao 3-0 and NAF Valley 4-0.
Nigerian Navy Barracks recorded a 4-2 win over NAF Base Bill Clinton, while General Azazi Barracks delivered the biggest victory of the day with a commanding 7-0 triumph over NAF Base Bill Clinton. Lungi and Nigerian Navy Barracks played out a 1-1 draw.
The football semi-finals, scheduled for Thursday at the Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Complex, will see Lungi face Mogadishu Cantonment, while Mambilla Barracks take on General Azazi for a place in the final.
The basketball competition also delivered entertaining contests. In the men’s preliminary matches, Nigerian Navy Base Abuja defeated Shittu Alao Barracks 56-21, while Lungi overcame Mogadishu Cantonment 25-16.
Nigerian Navy Base Abuja then secured a 44-32 victory over Mogadishu in the semi-finals to book a place in the final against Lungi, who comfortably defeated NAF Valley 39-17.
In the women’s competition, General Azazi defeated Mambilla 33-16 to reach the final, while NAF Valley overwhelmed Lungi 55-15 to set up a championship showdown. Mambilla and Lungi will compete for third place.
The volleyball competition also reached its decisive stage. Mogadishu Cantonment edged Nigerian Navy Barracks 2-1 in the men’s semi-final, while Lungi defeated Mambilla Barracks 2-0 to book their place in the final.
In the women’s event, Mogadishu Cantonment and Lungi advanced to the final after both recorded straight-set victories over Nigerian Navy Barracks and General Azazi respectively.
With the finalists confirmed across all three sports, attention now turns to Thursday’s championship matches, where military formations from across the Federal Capital Territory will compete for honours in one of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ flagship youth sporting events.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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