The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Youth Games (NYG)

  • Lagos, Edo, Delta battle for supremacy as NYG closing draws near

    Lagos, Edo, Delta battle for supremacy as NYG closing draws near

    The excitement surrounding the closing ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba has highlighted the determination and resilience of the athletes representing Delta State.

    As it stands, Team Delta is in third place on the medals table but is fiercely competing to reclaim their title.

    With only four gold medals separating them from Team Edo, the competition is intense.

    Sports analysts remain optimistic about Delta’s prospects, emphasising that the defending champions still have a viable chance to climb the podium before the event concludes.

    Read Also: NSCDC, military, others foil bandits’ attacks in Plateau

    This final push will likely involve strategic planning and teamwork to secure the necessary medals.

    The enthusiasm and competitive spirit demonstrated by these young athletes reflect the essence of youth sports and the importance of perseverance and sportsmanship in their pursuit of excellence.

    As the ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on Team Delta and their efforts to fortify their status as perennial winners in this prestigious event.

    The medals table just released by the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, shows that Team Lagos is on top with 38 gold, 18 silver and 16 bronze medals, followed by Team Edo with 27 gold, 11 silver and 16 bronze medals while Delta State has garnered 23 gold, 27 silver and 27 bronze medals to occupy the third position.

    Meanwhile, six sports events are expected to be concluded today (Friday) with many medals available for grabs ahead of the closing Saturday.

    The events include badminton, athletics, wrestling, ayo, kickboxing and abula.

  • 2025 NYG: Edo qualifies in eight games as zonal eliminations end

    2025 NYG: Edo qualifies in eight games as zonal eliminations end

    Edo State team will participate in eight events at the National Youth Games (NYG) Asaba, Delta State, scheduled for August 26 to September 6, 2025.

    At the end of the zonal eliminations, the Edo team qualified for the following events: Handball (Female), Cricket (Male and Female), Baseball (Male), Rugby (Male and Female), Football (Female), Beach Volleyball (Male and Female), Hockey (Female), Volleyball (Female).

    In the South-South zone, the competition took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with athletes competing in Abula, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Rugby, and Volleyball.

    Read Also: Wantaway Lookman returns to isolated training at  Atalanta

    At the Uyo Township Stadium, Edo’s Female Football Team defeated Bayelsa 2–0 to emerge zonal champions, thanks to goals from Favour Enodumwen and Nwodo Joy.

    At the West Itam Sports Centre, Edo’s Female Hockey Team also qualified impressively, beating Rivers 2–0 through strikes from Uyiosa Ikpomwen and Emmanuel Favour.

    In contrast, Edo’s Male Hockey Team narrowly lost 2–1 to Bayelsa in a heated game marked by controversial officiating.

    Edo also excelled in beach volleyball: the male team beat Akwa Ibom 2–0 (21-13, 21-11), while the female side dispatched Bayelsa 2–0. In indoor volleyball, Edo’s female team lost narrowly to Bayelsa but still secured qualification after winning a set.

    Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC) Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, hailed the athletes’ performance.

    Speaking through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele said, “We have identified the lapses in the various teams and will go back to address them accordingly while building on our gains during our camping period in readiness for the Games proper.”

  • Lagos submits  bid to host 2026 National Youth Games

    Lagos submits  bid to host 2026 National Youth Games

    Lagos State has formally submitted its bid to host the 2026 edition of the National Youth Games, signalling its ambition to bring the prestigious event to Nigeria’s most populous and economically vibrant city.

    The expression of interest was officially signed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscoring the state’s commitment to youth development and sports excellence.

    In a statement accompanying the bid, the Lagos delegation noted that “with Lagos being Nigeria’s foremost economic and cultural epicentre, the State is committed to fostering sporting excellence and nurturing youth talent across the nation.”

    The statement further emphasized Lagos State’s proven track record in organizing major sporting events. “Our state boasts a commendable legacy of successfully hosting national and international sporting events. With world-class facilities such as the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and Rowe Park, coupled with a robust accommodation landscape and an efficient transport network, Lagos is exceptionally equipped to deliver a seamless and memorable event for athletes, officials, and guests alike.”

    Read Also: Chukwueze wants  Milan stay

    The bid document was submitted to the Director General  of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade  on behalf of the Lagos State Government by a high-powered delegation led by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Hon. Lekan Fatodu.

    Other members of the delegation included Mr. Nunayon Olumide Travih, Director of Sports, LSSC; Dr. (Mrs.) Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports, LSSC; and Mr. Dare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports.

    Delta emerged champions of the last edition in 2024. The state won 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze, totalling 111 medals, and was announced as champions at the closing ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

    The National Youth Games (NYG) is a multi-sport event designed to discover and develop young, talented athletes. It serves as a platform for identifying potential athletes who can represent Nigeria in national and international competitions.