CNS tourney attracts unprecedented crowd

By Ihesiulo Grace

12 August 2017

Sports

The on-going Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) organised Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Football competition for U-14boys and U-17girls has attracted unprecednted crowd in the host city of Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Declaring the tournament open, representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admirer, Raphael Osondu noted that the Nigerian Navy is happy with the successes recorded over the years by the Federation and urged all the teams to remain focused and disciplined throughout the duration of the competition,

“The Navy High Command is proud to associate with YSFON who have over the years used the championship to discover hidden talents at the grassroots who later did the country proud in various age grade competitions.

“My advice to the various teams is to remain focused, be disciplined and play to the rules of the game as that is the only way they can achieve success in the round leather game,” he stated.

In his reaction, Deputy Director of Sports, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Navy Captain Friday Ture expressed happiness at the screening exercise which ensured that only eligible players were allowed to participate in the competition even as he promised that the Navy will continue to sponsor the championship.

“I’ m highly impressed with the screening and if all football tournament organisers will emulate YSFON the issue of age cheats in our competitions will be a thing of the past.

“The Nigerian Navy as a responsible organisation will continue to partner YSFON in sponsoring the competition because of the immense benefits to Nigerian youths,” he stated.

A total of 18 male and 8 female teams from various states of the Federation are participating in the week-long competition.

Andrew Ekejiuba