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Sports Build Discipline, Fitness, and Teamwork — Rear Admiral Oamen at Naval Command Games
Rear Admiral Michael Oamen says sports are vital for discipline, fitness, and teamwork as the Western Naval Command concludes its 2025 Intra-Command Sports Competition. Team Alpha emerged overall champions with 41 medals.
The Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy on Friday, September 26, rounded off its 2025 Intra-Command Sports Competition at the Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, Navy Town, Ojo. Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, described sports as an essential driver of discipline, fitness, and teamwork among naval personnel.
Emphasizing the Command’s focus on mental and physical readiness, Oamen told participants:
“Beyond the excitement of competition, this event is designed to promote unity, discipline, and mental alertness. These values are as important on the parade ground as they are in the field of battle. It is only when we are fit and cohesive that we can deliver on our operational mandates.”
He commended officers and ratings for displaying the enduring spirit of the Western Naval Command throughout the week-long games. “From the march-past at the opening to the football finals today, our personnel have shown discipline, skill, and teamwork. These are the same qualities we expect them to bring into their duties in defence of the nation,” he noted.
The championship, which kicked off on Tuesday, September 23, featured four combat teams—Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta—competing in football, tug-of-war, athletics, and other events as part of preparations for the forthcoming Nigerian Navy Games.
Team Alpha claimed overall victory with 41 medals, including 16 gold. Team Charlie placed second with 13 gold and 31 medals, while Team Bravo came third with 11 gold from a total of 33 medals. Team Delta finished fourth with two gold medals and 19 overall.
The closing day highlights included a 3–1 football victory for Team Bravo over Team Charlie, and an intense tug-of-war contest that drew cheers from spectators.
In his final address, Oamen urged participants to sustain the lessons of sports beyond the field. “Fitness is not seasonal; it is a continuous duty. I expect every officer and rating to keep this spirit alive, to carry it into your training, your watch duties, and your operations. Sports may end today, but its discipline must remain with us always,” he said.
Dignitaries at the event included Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army; Mrs. Archie-Abia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics and Director of Seaport Operations at NDLEA; and Rear Admiral S.D. Ibrahim, Chief Staff Officer of WNC, among others.
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