Boots Before Bullets: Military Turns to Football as Strategy to Curb Youth Restiveness

Under the humid skies of Port Harcourt, the Nigerian military has taken a bold non-kinetic approach to national security, advocating the use of sports as a tool for youth engagement and social stability.

Speaking at the Sharks Football Club Stadium on Sunday, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, urged Nigerian youths to embrace sports as a pathway toward building a safer and more prosperous nation. His message marked the kickoff of the maiden CDS Under-15 Boys Football Championship, a six-day tournament aimed not only at competition but also at nation-building.

Represented by the Chief of Administration at Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, the CDS described the championship as a deliberate investment in human capital. He emphasized that football goes beyond recreation, serving as a powerful instrument for unity, discipline, and economic opportunity, while helping to counter youth restiveness and social vices that threaten national stability.

According to him, the championship is designed to unite communities, encourage healthy competition, and instill essential life skills such as teamwork and resilience. He added that the initiative also enhances civil–military relations by positively engaging young Nigerians, fostering mutual respect, and strengthening togetherness through sportsmanship.

The CDS explained that when young people view sports as a viable path to recognition and livelihood, the temptation of crime, drug abuse, and violence is significantly reduced. In the face of Nigeria’s security challenges, he described the initiative as an important non-kinetic complement to conventional security operations.

The tournament features teams from seven states—Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Abia, and Imo—highlighting its regional focus on promoting unity and social cohesion across the South-South and South-East zones.

General Oluyede noted that meaningful youth engagement remains one of the most effective ways to prevent social decay before it escalates into security threats. He said the championship aligns with the Armed Forces’ broader strategy of empowering youths, developing grassroots talent, and promoting discipline.

He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for prioritising youth empowerment and national security. The CDS further commended the Rivers State Government and Greater Heights Global Sports Development Limited for turning the initiative from concept into reality.

Earlier, the Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, explained that the championship was designed as a platform for talent discovery and development. He said young players had gathered not only to showcase their skills but also to inspire excellence, build brotherhood, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sports ecosystem despite challenges such as insecurity and substance abuse.

Phillips stressed that the competition reflects the CDS’s commitment to grassroots sports as a channel for talent identification and value formation. He urged participating teams to avoid unhealthy rivalry, play with courage and integrity, and uphold the principles of fair play.

On the pitch, the opening match lived up to expectations, with the Rivers Military Team recording a 2–0 victory over the Delta Military Team, setting an energetic tone for the tournament.

The championship is scheduled to conclude with a final match on December 20, 2025. Beyond the final whistle, the military’s message remains clear: Nigeria’s journey to lasting security may begin with its youngest players—one pass, one goal, and one disciplined life at a time.