CNS, NOWA Cups 2026: Navy, YSFON renew commitment to youth football development
The much anticipated 22nd edition of the Chief of Naval Staff U-14 Boys and 14th edition of the Naval Officers Wives' Association (NOWA) U-17 Girls football tournaments are underway in Umuahia, Abia State with a call on participants to approach the competition with discipline, determination, fairness, professionalism and a strong spirit of sportsmanship.
Declaring the competition open at the main bowl of Government College Umuahia, the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Victor Choji said the Nigerian Navy places high a premium on youth development, while also pointing out that the two competitions represent its modest contribution toward sports development in partnership with the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).
"Indeed, I make bold to say that since inception, the Chief of Naval Staff and Naval Officers Wives Association football tournaments have contributed significantly to the overall development of football in our great country Nigeria. Over the years, the tournaments have provided platforms for the discovery and nurturing of football talents, many of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria's national teams in various categories. Notable among such talents are Kelechi Iheanacho who featured in the 2008 edition of the CNS cup in Enugu and Halimat Ayinde who featured in the 2009 edition of the NOWA cup in Minna." He said.
Vice Admiral Ibas who expressed optimism that more talents of the same calibre will emerge from this year's edition commended the organisers, the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, the Abia State Government for their contributions while wishing the young athletes and the officials a memorable stay in Umuahia.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Abia State Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Mr. Raymond Ukwa said the state was honoured to host the two competitions designed to give young athletes opportunities to develop their talents, build discipline and embrace the values of discipline, teamwork and fair play.
He assured that the state would continue to invest in sports to open up more opportunities while wishing the participants successful and memorable tournaments.
Also speaking, the YSFON vice president south-east Chief Ndubuisi Okpara, the YSFON national Secretary Mr. Patrick Okpavuerhe and the Abia State Chairman of YSFON Sir, Uchenna Dike described the tournaments as talent huntswhile emphasizing that the Nigerian Navy has continued to partner YSFON over the years to organize the competitions due to the enormous gains including the discovery of male and female players for the junior and senior national teams.
In the opening match of the NOWA Cup U -17 Girls tournament, hosts Abia defeated Rivers 3 - 1 with about twenty states and the FCT taking part in the U -14 boys and U- 17 girls tournaments which would last till September 13.
CNS CUP 2026 MATCH DAY FIXTURES - Monday 07 September 2026
Abia vs River - 9:30am
Kano vs NYSA - 10:30am
Plateau vs Cross River - 11:30am
Kaduna vs Akwa Ibom - 12:30pm
Anambra vs Imo - 1:30pm
FCT vs Ondo - 2:30 pm
Ebonyi vs Delta - 3:30pm
Benue vs Ekiti - 4:30pm
All matches take place at the Government College Field, Umuahia.
The NOWA Cup Under 17 Girls matches continue on Tuesday 08 September 2026.
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