Army reaffirms commitment to develop sports

The Nigerian Army (NA) on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to develop sports for better service delivery.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, made the statement while receiving the Army Green Berret Football Team at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

“I am delighted to receive this team; they have done the army proud, just as it is encapsulated in my vision, which is having a professional army in the discharge of its constitutional role.

“The decision to revamp the Nigerian Army sporting activities is inline with this vision; we have abundant talent in all fields in the NA and human endeavour.

“I can remember good old days when we were young officers; the army had been participating in all sporting events in the country,” he said.

The COAS recalled that army sports festival had been regular but along the line, they stopped and those talents were wasted, but that the NA was now fully back on track.

“We have this crop of officers and young soldiers who have done the NA proud by winning division two tournament and got promoted to division one.

“I hereby, congratulate you, and I want to assure you that the Army will continue to support you to go places.

“We will encourage you to ensure that as you are going into division one of the leagues, definitely next year, NA will receive you and receive your trophy again,” Buratai said.

He expressed optimism that by the time NA sport festival kicks off later in the year, more talents would be discovered.

Buratai promised to develop them further both nationally and internationally.

“We are going to organise friendly matches for them with our friendly allies in other countries.

“I will ask the Director, Policy and Plans to identify some countries, especially our neighbouring countries to have friendly matches with their national teams such as Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Cameroun,” he said.

This, Buratai said, was to further give them the necessary exposure and to also improve their skills.