Lungi Barracks emerged overall champions as the curtains came down on the 2026 Chief of Defence Staff Abuja Military Barracks Youth Sports Championship, in a thrilling celebration of talent, discipline, unity and youthful excellence.
After five days of intense competition across basketball, volleyball and football, Lungi Barracks finished top of the medals table with two gold, two silver and one bronze medal. Mogadishu Cantonment placed second with two gold, one silver and one bronze, while NAF Valley Base finished third with one gold and one bronze.
The championship, organised by Defence Headquarters, brought together eight barracks in Abuja from August 3 to 7, with competitions staged at the Mogadishu Cantonment Sports Complex and Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Complex.
The final day provided a fitting climax, as Mambilla Barracks defeated Lungi Barracks 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to claim the men’s football title.
In the other events, NAF Valley Base won the women’s basketball title, while Lungi Barracks emerged champions in men’s basketball and women’s volleyball. Mogadishu Cantonment secured the men’s volleyball and women’s football titles.
Cash prizes of ₦300,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 were presented to winners, runners-up and third-place finishers respectively, with trophies and plaques also awarded to outstanding teams and athletes.
Speaking through Air Vice Marshal Tony Ndace, Managing Director of Defence Holdings, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the championship as more than a sporting contest, stressing its role in building character and empowering young Nigerians.
“Sports are not just about competition; they are about character. Every jump, every pass, every spike and every cheer reminds us that the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie runs deep within our barracks.”
The CDS also delivered a powerful message to participants who did not finish with medals, reminding them that the greatest reward lies beyond the podium.
“Whether you carry home a trophy today or not, you have all won something far greater—the confidence to strive, the courage to compete and the experience that will shape your future.”
Representing the participating athletes, Fredricks Marcus expressed appreciation to the Defence Headquarters, organisers, coaches, parents, mentors and supporters for creating a platform where young talents could grow.
“Whether we won or lost, we all came out as champions. This championship has shown us that true victory is not only measured by medals, but by the courage to compete, the discipline to improve and the friendships we build.”
Marcus also praised the coaches and mentors for their guidance, saying their support had helped shape the athletes both on and off the field.
The championship ended on a message of hope, with the CDS reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to youth development and promising continued support for initiatives that strengthen communities and build a better Nigeria.
And as the final whistle faded at the barracks, the medals told one story—but the young athletes left with something far more enduring: confidence, discipline, friendship and the belief that their best days are still ahead.
At the end of the championship, Lungi Barracks finished as overall champions with two gold, two silver and one bronze medals, making a total of five medals.Mogadishu Cantonment placed second with two gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
NAF Valley Base finished third with one gold and one bronze medal, while Mambilla Barracks came fourth with one gold medal.
Nigerian Navy Base Barracks placed fifth with one silver and two bronze medals, followed by General A.O. Azazi Barracks in sixth with one silver and one bronze medal.
NAF Bill Clinton Base finished seventh with one silver medal, while Shittu Alao Barracks ended the competition without a medal.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that in the event results, NAF Valley Base won the women’s basketball title, while Lungi Barracks claimed the men’s basketball championship.
Lungi Barracks also won the women’s volleyball event, with Mogadishu Cantonment emerging champions in the men’s category.
Mogadishu Cantonment won the women’s football title, while Mambilla Barracks emerged champions in the men’s football event.
Cash prizes of ₦300,000, ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 were presented to the first, second and third-place winners respectively in each event, while trophies and plaques were also presented to outstanding teams and athletes.
NAN reports that a total of eight barracks participated in the championship: Mambilla Barracks, Mogadishu Cantonment, NAF Valley Base, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, General A.O. Azazi Barracks, NAF Bill Clinton Base, Lungi Barracks and Shittu Alao Barracks.
NAN reports that the five-day championship, organised by the Defence Headquarters, began on Aug. 3 at the Mogadishu Cantonment Sports Complex and Aguyi Ironsi Sports Complex, Abuja, and ended today.
Medals table Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Abuja military barracks youth championship 2026
In the Basketball ,in the female category,Lungi barracks came third place, prize money of N100,000, General OA Azazi Barracks came runner up with N200,000 and NAF Valley Base barracks came first place with N300,000 prize money.
In the basketball for Male , Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks, came third place with prize money of N100,000, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks came runner up with prize money of of N 200,000 and Lungi barracks came first with prize money of N300, 000.
In the Volleyball events , female category,
Nigerian Navy Base Barracks came third place with prize money of N100,000,
Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks came runner up with prize money of of N200,000 and Lungi barracks came first with prize money of N300, 000.
In the male volleyball, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, came third place with prize money of N100,000, lungi barracks came runner up with prize money of of N200,000 and Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks, came first with prize money of N300, 000.
In the female Football category ,NAF Valley Base came third place with prize money of N100,000, NAF Bill Clinton Base, came runner up with prize money of N200,000 and Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks, came first with prize money of N300, 000.
In the male Football category , AO. Azazi Barracks, came third place with prize money of N100,000, Lungi barracks came runner up with prize money of N200,000 and Mambilla Barracks came first with prize money of N300, 000.
A total of 8 participated Mambilla Barracks, Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks, NAF Valley Base, Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, General A.O. Azazi Barracks, NAF Bill Clinton Base, Shittu Alao Barracks .
The Medals table Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Abuja military barracks youth championship 2026 the Position overall barracks;Lungi barracks emerge overall with two gold, two sliver and one bronze with total of five medals. Mogadishu Cantonment Barracks, came second position with two gold, one sliver and one bronze with total of four medals.
NAF Valley Base, came third position with one gold, and one bronze with three medals. Mambilla Barracks, came fourth position with one gold a total of one medal.
Nigerian Navy Base Barracks, came fifth position with one sliver and two bronze with total of three medals.
General A.O. Azazi Barracks, came six position with one sliver and one bronze with total of two medals. NAF Bill Clinton Base, came seven position with one sliver and Shittu Alao Barracks no medal .
