According to him, the fourth edition of the championship is backed by the Defence Headquarters and will hold from September 30 to October 5.
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The games will take place at the National Stadium and the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Aliu said the annual championship reflects the CDS’s non-kinetic strategy to strengthen security while fostering unity, discipline, and teamwork among Nigerian youths.
The event will feature 12 elite male teams from the South-West and neighbouring states, a military side, and veterans’ exhibition matches.
Cash prizes, medals, trophies, and certificates will be presented. Special awards, including Most Valuable Player and Best Tournament Performer, will also be conferred.
Aliu stressed that the championship is more than sport, but a platform to inspire youths, unite communities, and promote national values of teamwork and discipline.
Participating teams include Fountains Basketball Club of Ekiti, Hoop and Read of Lagos, Dodan Warriors, Sports Nation 356 Club, and Ogun Rockets.
Others are Ondo Raiders, Osun United, Oluyole Warriors of Oyo, University of Ibadan Club, Edo Beads, Delta Force, and Police Batons of Lagos.
According to the organisers, the teams were carefully selected based on ratings from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun.
Aliu noted that the championship also aims to nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric and capable of joint operations.
NAN