The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has emphasized the Nigerian Army’s dedication to boosting the combat readiness and efficiency of its personnel through sports and physical training. The COAS reiterated this commitment during the opening of the Nigerian Army Combat Sports Coaching and Officiating Clinic 2024 in Abuja on Monday.
Organized by the Directorate of Army Physical Training (DAPT), the clinic aims to provide army coaches and athletes with the necessary resources and techniques to enhance their skills. Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, represented by Deputy Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, highlighted that the objective is to achieve both sporting success and professional competence, ultimately contributing to the troops’ combat efficiency in the field.
The COAS underscored that the training aligns with his Command Philosophy, focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force. He directed that all training and sporting activities in Training Year 2024 should concentrate on events relevant to kinetics, emphasizing the professional conduct of military operations to address nationwide security challenges.
Expressing satisfaction with the efforts of the DAPT, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja commended the innovative approach of combining coaching and officiating clinics in the training year 2024. He approved the conduct of this second edition, recognizing its aim to build the capacity of army coaches and sportsmen in combat events, fostering excellence in national and international competitions.
Highlighting the importance of the clinic, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahim Bello, Acting Director of the Directorate of Army Physical Training, stated that it seeks to build more capacity to improve troops’ combat efficiency in the field. He emphasized that training and knowledge of combat are essential for success in sports activities, urging participants to make the most of the opportunity provided.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi stressed the critical role of the training in the operations of the Nigerian Army. He explained that combat sports training, including coaching and officiating clinics, enhances the capacity of trainees to face adversaries, even without weapons. Etsu-Ndagi emphasized the physical nature of sports and operations, noting that sports training builds stamina, endurance, and fitness necessary for engaging in combat activities.
