By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Calabar

The Nigerian Navy has  called for sustainable collaboration with the Nigerian Army so as to reduce the unnecessary rivalry within the force.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin stated this in Calabar on the occasion of a friendly football match between Eastern Naval Command team and 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar team at the U.J Esuene Stadium.

The FOC said that the match was organised to promote cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy personnel in the Calabar area.

He said that in the past the Navy and Army personnel had collaborated in several operations and exercises aimed at bringing peace and stability to Nigeria and Cross River State in particular.

“Some of the collaborative efforts are manifested in Operation MESA, Ex Operation NEMO to mention but a few. Notwithstanding the spirit of camaraderie developed during these operations, there is need to explore other areas of interaction.

“It was articulated that a popular sporting event such as football will provide the necessary pedestal for Espirt-de-Corps,” he said.

Jibrin said that the friendly football match would help ease off work tension as well as improve the physical fitness of the team members for future operational demands.

He advised the players that while the match was also intended to ease off the work tension on them, they should not take up the tension because the match was simply a friendly match.

“This match should therefore be seen in the light of what it is and not be taken as a do or die combat,” Jibrin said.

The match which was spectacular was won by the Nigerian Army as it ended 2-0 in favour of the Army.