Nigerian Soldier Abandons Active Military Service, Picks Football As Career After Joining NPFL Club
- A military personnel member has joined a team in the Nigerian Premier Football League in the ongoing 2025/26 season
- The Nigerian Army have a football club named Green Beret FC, domiciled in Zaria, Kaduna state, and has featured in various amateur leagues
- Green Beret beat Simoiben FA 2-0 to win the 2024 Kaduna Football Association Cup, while the Gallant Queens thrashed Kada Queens 6-0
A Nigerian soldier is currently trending after he signed a professional contract with a Nigerian Premier Football League Club.
Sitting at the bottom of the table are Plateau United in 18th place, Shooting Stars of Ibadan occupying 19th position, while Bendel Insurance is last on the log.
The 2025/26 football season is currently in its second week, as El-Kanemi Warriors, Abia Warriors, and Bayelsa United are the top three teams.
Source: Getty Images
Bayelsa United unveil Soldier
Garba Shehu, who is a serving member of the Nigerian military, decided to abandon national service to take football as a career professionally.
Shehu, who was with Beret FC, one of the popular Military football teams, has joined NPFL club Bayelsa United for the 2025/26 football season.
An account on X also reported this:
Bayelsa United coach, Monday Odigie, decided to add the soldier to strengthen the team for their campaign and qualify for continental football.
The Nigerian Army football team are currently playing in the National Nationwide League Division One. Four players from the team have been suspended from the 2025 NLO for violently assaulting the referee, per naifooty.
Meanwhile, the Green Beret won the 2024 Kaduna Football Association Cup after beating Simoiben FA 2-0 in a keenly contested match at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, while Gallant Babes humiliated Kada Queens 6-0 to win the women's category, per Sporting Life.
Mixed reaction trails new signing
Nigerians have reacted to the news of a soldier joining Bayelsa United for the 2025/26 NPFL. Read them below:
@phisco_ said:
"Went to train with Green Beret one time, that was my first and last.😂😂."
@Olayinka915299 wrote:
"We have prominent football teams in the entire Nigerian Army, and both of them are in Kaduna. Buffalo's and Green Berret. Two very difficult teams to play in the past. They have both played against Super Eagles in preparatory friendlies in the early 2000s & bet me it was tough."
@olamideolabode4 added:
"Gbagbee dem do dribble wetin no good for him body."
"Werin concern agbero with street lights."
@mr_stitch01 said:
"LoL! Soldiers are actually very calm in sport, just a few bad eggs."
Source: Twitter
Bayelsa United in the 2025/26 NPFL
Bayelsa United are currently in third position in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League.
The Prosperity boys defeated Shooting Stars 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, courtesy a goal from Kehinde Lawal.
Bayelsa United will face newly promoted Barau FC at the Samsin Siasia stadium on Sunday, August 31.
Remo Stars win 2024/25 NPFL
Legit.ng earlier reported that Remo Stars defeated Ikorodu City 4-1 on Sunday evening, May 11, to secure the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League title with 71 points, delighting home fans at the Ikenne Stadium in Ogun State.
Remo Stars will represent the country at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
Source: Legit.ng
