By Aderonke Ojo
The 2026 Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Abuja Military Barracks Youth Championship has entered its decisive stage, with finalists emerging in football, basketball and volleyball following a thrilling third day of competition on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In the men’s football category, Mogadishu Cantonment strengthened their championship credentials after recording back-to-back victories. They defeated NAF Valley 2-1 before securing a commanding 3-0 win over Shittu Alao Barracks.
Mambilla Barracks also produced an impressive performance, defeating Shittu Alao Barracks 3-0 and overpowering NAF Valley 4-0 to book a place in the semi-finals.
Other notable results saw Nigerian Navy Barracks beat NAF Base Bill Clinton 4-2, while General Azazi Barracks recorded the biggest win of the day with a 7-0 demolition of NAF Base Bill Clinton. Lungi and Nigerian Navy Barracks played out a 1-1 draw.
The football semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday at the Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Complex, with Lungi taking on Mogadishu Cantonment, while Mambilla Barracks will face General Azazi Barracks for a place in the final.
In basketball, Nigerian Navy Base Abuja reached the men’s final after defeating Mogadishu Cantonment 44-32 in the semi-finals. They will face Lungi, who secured their place with a 39-17 victory over NAF Valley.
Earlier in the preliminary stage, Navy Base Abuja defeated Shittu Alao Barracks 56-21, while Lungi overcame Mogadishu Cantonment 25-16.
The women’s basketball final will be contested by General Azazi Barracks and NAF Valley. General Azazi secured their place after defeating Mambilla Barracks 33-16, while NAF Valley dominated Lungi 55-15. Mambilla and Lungi will compete for the bronze medal.
The volleyball competition also produced exciting encounters, with Mogadishu Cantonment defeating Nigerian Navy Barracks 2-1 in the men’s semi-final, while Lungi secured a straight-set 2-0 victory over Mambilla Barracks.
The women’s volleyball final will feature Mogadishu Cantonment and Lungi after both teams recorded straight-set wins over Nigerian Navy Barracks and General Azazi Barracks respectively.
With the finalists now confirmed, attention shifts to Thursday’s championship matches as teams from military barracks across the Federal Capital Territory compete for top honours in one of the biggest youth sporting events within the armed forces community.
