From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
The Okochiri Allstars Football Club of Okrika, River State, has emerged as the winners of the 2025 edition of the Civil-military cooperation novelty football tournament.
The tournament was held in commemoration of this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
The tournament, organised by the 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army in Rivers State, featured 6 teams such as Python Football Club, Okochiri Allstars Football Club, United Allstars Football Club, Unique Allstars Football Club, Damisa Football Club and Kalifonia Allstars Football Club.
Okochiri Allstars Football Club clinched the trophy after defeating Python Football Club in a penalty shootout that ended 4:2 in the final match, having played out a goalless draw in the first 90 minutes of regulation time at the Okrika Grammar School, in Okrika local government area of Rivers State.
Python Football Club came 2nd, while Damisa Football Club took 3rd position after beating Kalifonia Allstars FC, 2 goals to 1 in the third place match played earlier on Saturday at the same venue.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emekah Eric, in his closing remarks as special guest, said the novelty football competition was part of activities lined up to commemorate the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, 6 Division, Brigadier General Emmanuel Adamu, Major General Emekah said the event was put together to strengthen the civil-military relationship between the Nigerian Army and it’s host communities.
He said, “This event is designed to celebrate soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army and their sacrifices to the nation.
“This is also one of the series of events that is usually held to create awareness and improve our civil-military relations efforts.
The GOC encouraged the Army host communities, especially the youths to keep sustaining their corporation with the military and support them in discharging their constitutional duties, especially in the fight against illegal crude oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.
He commended the organisers for the competition and congratulated the Okochiri Allstars Football Club for emerging winner in the tournament, and also hailed other participants.
The Army Chief also lauded the residents for maintaining a cordial relationship with the Army urging them to always remain peaceful and corporate with security agencies in combating crime and criminality in their domain.
The Commander, 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 Joint Task Force (South South), Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed, congratulated Okochiri Allstars FC, and other participants for displaying spirit of sportsmanship during the tournament.
Brig. General Ahmed appreciated the GOC, 6 Division, and also lauded all other Heads of security agencies for their support and cooperation.
He restated the commitment and dedication of the Nigerian Army to discharging its roles professionally in line with the Constitution.
“It’s a good display of sportsmanship, we congratulate the new champions, and all those that participated in the tournament, including those that came out to watch the tournament.”
He added that, “This is a continuous efforts to strengthen our relationship with civilians. Our headquarters is domiciled here in Okrika local government and my mandate is to fight oil theft and other criminalities in my joint area of operations.
“So far, our relationship with the civil populace has been cordial, but to make it stronger, we organise activities and invite them to take part. And this football tournament, which is part of our activities to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, is one of such endeavours.”
The 6 Division Garrison Commander, explained that the Army’s decision to engage the youths constructively, is to take their minds off criminality and other crimes,” he stated.
