By Chinedu Anolue/Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has reiterated the importance of physical fitness, discipline, and unit cohesion in sustaining operational effectiveness as the Guards Brigade commenced its Inter-Unit Sports Competition 2026 in Abuja.
The Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi, stated this on Monday while declaring the competition open, noting that sports remain a critical component of military training and personnel development.
Abdullahi said the competition was designed to strengthen esprit de corps among officers and soldiers, enhance teamwork, and promote healthy rivalry across participating units.
He also stressed the role of sports in talent identification within the Nigerian Army, adding that the platform would help discover and nurture athletes capable of representing the military in future national and international competitions.
He commended the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, for organising the event, describing it as a reflection of the Brigade’s commitment to professionalism, excellence, and continuous training.
In his welcome address, Brig.-Gen. Onasanya said the competition was designed under the Brigade’s 2026 training directive to assess the physical and mental abilities of participants, while also providing a platform to demonstrate teamwork, discipline, and professional skills essential for military effectiveness.
He explained that the event aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.
The Brigade Commander further noted that beyond competition and winning, the event was aimed at building discipline, endurance, toughness, and esprit de corps among troops, adding that participation would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen inter-agency synergy, particularly with invited security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory.
The competition is expected to run over several days, featuring various sporting activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, resilience, teamwork, and cohesion among participating units.
At the opening on Monday, Guards Brigade Garrison slogged it out with the 177 Guards Battalion in football as well as Combat relay and tug of war. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
