The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, officially flagged off the Nigerian Army Ball Games (NABG) 2025 Competition at the Nigerian Defence Academy Sports Complex, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, on 12 May 2025. This highly anticipated annual sporting event brings together approximately 250 contingents from various Nigerian Army Divisions, including the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, and 402 Special Forces Command, Doma, Nasarawa State, in a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie.

The 5-day event, which will feature competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, and handball, is aimed to enhance personnel fitness, foster inter-divisional relationships, and promote a healthy lifestyle among troops of the Nigerian Army.

Declaring the competition open, the COAS, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Usman Yusuf, reiterated that the NABG 2025 will serve as a vital platform for enhancing the physical and mental readiness of Nigerian Army troops. “As we embark on this journey of competition and camaraderie, I urge all participants to strive for excellence, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and uphold the values of the Nigerian Army,” he stated.

He further emphasized that “the games will not only promote physical fitness but also foster teamwork, discipline, and esprit de corps among our troops. These are essential qualities that will enable us to effectively defend our nation against external aggression and internal insurrection.” The representative of the COAS also expressed confidence that the games would provide a unique opportunity for troops to showcase their skills, build relationships, and learn from each other.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Chief Host, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, highlighted the significance of training and preparedness within the Nigerian Army.

“The Ball Games Competition is a cornerstone of our annual calendar of training activities, contributing significantly towards improving fitness and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to the COAS for selecting 1 Division as the host and for his continuous support, urging all participants and umpires to uphold the principles of fair play throughout the Games.

The NABG 2025 Competition is expected to foster a spirit of healthy competition, reinforce the bond among Nigerian Army personnel, and showcase the military’s commitment to promoting fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie.

The opening ceremony featured a march past by participating contingents, presentation of souvenirs to some invited personalities, and group photographs, setting the tone for a spirited competition.