Tag: National Youth Games

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has reaffirmed the state’s preparedness to host the 10th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) in Year 2026.

Speaking during a facility inspection tour conducted by a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), Fatodu emphasized Lagos State’s experience in hosting major tournaments and expressed confidence in delivering a landmark event.

 “As an experienced host, Lagos is poised to stage a history-making edition of the Youth Games in 2026,” he said.

Fatodu highlighted the importance of the NYG, which targets athletes under the age of 15, and assured that Lagos is determined to deliver one of the most memorable editions in the history of the competition. “Sports have evolved beyond traditional engagement—they now represent a lifelong pursuit of purpose. That’s the vision Lagos State is committed to,” he added.

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He further stated:  “We want our history to serve as a tool for national cohesion, unity, and youth empowerment. This message will be reflected in our agenda, our theme, and our actions as we prepare to host the Youth Games. We’ve reignited efforts to reconstruct, renovate, and reposition key facilities across the state.”

Fatodu also noted that Lagos’ bid to host the 10^th  edition coincides with the eve of a national election, presenting a unique opportunity to foster unity among Nigerians—one of the core objectives of the NYG since its inception in 2013.

As part of the bidding process, top management staff of the Lagos State Sports Commission, alongside NSC delegates, embarked on a two-day inspection tour of sports facilities across the state.

The tour began at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and continued to the National Stadium. Other inspected venues included the newly refurbished Elegbata Sports Complex, the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square, Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre at Rowe Park in Yaba, the University of Lagos Sports Complex, CMS Grammar School in Bariga, and Agege Stadium.

Amaka Ashiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports Development and head of the NSC delegation, stated that one of the key objectives of awarding hosting rights is to stimulate the development of sports infrastructure. She explained that the inspection aimed to identify areas for improvement, with the commission committed to working closely with the Lagos State Government to ensure a seamless process. Beyond competition, the NYG serves as a platform for U-15 athletes to earn scholarships to tertiary institutions. It also offers an opportunity to showcase Lagos’ iconic sports facilities, rich cultural heritage, and its status as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre to the world.

Against all odds, Team Nasarawa  have secured qualifications in four key disciplines  to  the  upcoming 9^th  National Youth Games in Asaba.

  A contingent of 154 members left Lafia for Ilorin, Kwara State, for the Zonal Eliminations. Despite facing tough competition at the North Central Zonal Eliminations held in Ilorin, Kwara State, Team Nasarawa dominated in Boys’ football, Hockey (Boys and Girls), and Volleyball Girls. The 9th edition of the National Youth Games will hold in Asaba, Delta State, from August 26 to September 6, 2025.

  During the zonal elimination in Ilorin, Team Nasarawa defeated host State, Kwara, 1-0, in their first football match, beat Plateau State in their second match, and played out a 1-1 draw against Team Niger in their final match pairing, topping the table with seven points ahead of Team Plateau who came second.

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  Team Nasarawa also picked up spots in the Hockey Boys’ and Girls’ categories, first in the Girls’ event and placing second behind Niger in the Boys’ Category.

  The Team wrapped up their Zonal Eliminations sojourn in Ilorin, by picking first spot in Girls’ Volleyball category, ahead of Team Benue.

  Team Nasarawa participated in five sports: football, hockey, volleyball, basketball and handball.

  Team Nasarawa has intensified trainings, with the hope of making a lasting impression at the main National Youth Games, which begins on August 26 in Asaba.

Team Imo delivered a commendable performance at the just concluded National Youth Games elimination stage in Enugu State stamping their authority in a series of commanding performances across multiple team sports.

In male basketball, Imo cruised past Abia with a dominant 14–4 win in the final game, showcasing tactical discipline and athletic prowess.

Their female volleyball team was equally ruthless, sweeping Abia aside in straight sets (2–0) before carrying the momentum into female handball, where Imo overwhelmed their opponents from Abia with a 14–7 victory in a fast-paced, high-energy match.

Enugu State, however, halted Imo’s clean sweep in the male handball category, securing a 19–13 win in a closely contested game. But Imo quickly bounced back in male cricket, edging Ebonyi 10–9 in a tense finish to claim yet another top spot.

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Imo State’s dominance isn’t limited to the day’s events. They’ve emerged as a force in team sports overall, clinching first place in male cricket, male basketball, female volleyball, female handball, men’s and women’s abula, female hockey, and male baseball. They also earned a strong second-place finish in male rugby.

This commanding performance highlights Imo State’s depth and consistency in grassroots sports development, reinforcing their status as serious contenders for overall glory as the Games progress.

With standout athletes across both male and female categories, sports analysts are already tipping Imo as one of the top states to watch in the race for the NYG 2025 title.

The performance of Team Imo can be attributed to the support from Imo Government led by Distinguished Senator, Hope Uzodimma and Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha (Onowu).

The Director of Sports, Lady Justina Akpulo (Kpulus) was the leader of delegation to Enugu and she oversaw Imo’s giant strides.

Bayelsa shines in zonal elimination

Defending champions of the National Youths Games (NYG), Team Delta, has begun closed camping for her athletes  ahead the 9^th  edition  of the national event holding between  August 26 and September 6 in Asaba.

  Over 600 athletes from Team Delta are camped at St. Brigids’  School Hostel in Asaba, Delta Sports Commission Hostel as well as the Hockey Hostel located at Okpanam.

  An official of the  Local Organising Committee (LOC), Festus Ohwojero, disclosed that athletes and officials to fly Delta’s flag in the 9th NYG would be announced later this week.

  “We have over 600 athletes in three different camps right now,” Ohwojero said. “Very soon, the number of athletes that will represent Team Delta in the 9th National Youth Games will be made known to the public.”

    Meanwhile, Team Bayelsa made a good impact at the just concluded Zonal Eliminations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State ahead of the National Youths Games.

‎  Team Bayelsa, led by Acting Director of Sports, Andrew Aye attended the zonal elimination in Uyo with a 250-man strong contingent and participated in 10 different sports.

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Team Bayelsa outclassed Rivers 17-9 in female basketball before white-washing Akwa Ibom State 16-2 to finish first, while the boys defeated Akwa Ibom 18-14 in the first game, beat Edo 7-1 in the second game but lost the third game to Rivers 17-19 in the added minutes but still qualified.

‎  In football, team Bayelsa won three out of three matches to secure a place in the NYG, while the female won two matches to keep their hopes intact.

‎  Also, in Abula, both male and female teams from Bayelsa qualified for the NYG. The female team came first in the zone while the male team secured the second position.

‎  In Softball, Bayelsa finished first in the Zonal qualifiers, beating neighbours, Rivers to maintain top spot having defeated host Akwa Ibom 5-3 earlier. The state Volleyball male team also qualified with wins over Rivers and Akwa Ibom states in two sets 25-8, 25-18.

  Speaking on their performance, Aye said Bayelsa has left participating to competing, stating that he is pleased with the performance of the state’s contingent.

‎    According to him, Bayelsa qualified in Abula male and female categories, basketball (male and female), volleyball (male), as well as football (male and female).

The zonal elimination for the 9^th National Youth Games ended at the weekend in various centres, and it has signalled the countdown to the Games scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State capital from August 26 to September 6.

The South South zonal elimination was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and among the sports contested for were Abula, baseball/Softball, basketball, beach volleyball,  cricket, football,  handball,  hockey,  Rugby7  and volleyball.  

With the conclusion of the zonal elimination across the country, the number of athletes and officials expected to participate in the 9th NYG is expected to emerge later this week.

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Meanwhile, host Delta State is intensifying its readiness to host a successful championship.

A member of the Local Organising Committee set up for the Games, former Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero, said yesterday that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori wants to see a smooth organisation.

“As usual, our Governor wants to see a perfect organisation because he believes that Nigerian youths deserve the best. On our side, we are not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring the best organisations in this 2025 edition of the National Youth Games,” Ohwojero stated.

Team Delta has won all edition of the championships since its inception in 2015.

The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC) Sabina Chikere, is optimistic  that the state  will  shine at the forthcoming National Youth Games in Asaba.

 “The 9th  National Youth Games is not going to be an exception, Edo State is going to Asaba to win, we are going there for business,” Sabina fired the salvo in an exclusive interview with First ZealMediaCast Blog.

She further explained that the ESSC , under the leadership of Honourable, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has been working tirelessly to prepare the Team for the event.

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 “We’ve been preparing seriously since we came back from the National Sports Festival, everything has been put in place to make sure we get the right hands to go to Asaba to deliver, Edo State is known for success, Edo State is known for medals, Edo State will be on the podium at the end of the championship.

 “Honourable Enabulele, has told all the coaches, given them a mandate on what is expected of them at the Youth game so we are very hopefully and optimistic that Edo State will be on the podium at the end of the Youth Games,” she said.

Delta State is set to host what it promises will be the most memorable edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) to date, thanks to its existing infrastructure and capacity to stage world-class sporting events.

This assurance was given by the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, during a Joint Technical Meeting between the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and Directors of Sports from various states. He was represented at the meeting by the Acting Director General of the Commission, Emuobo Igalase.

Oborevwori emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State is committed to delivering an outstanding event. He stressed that the state is always ready to host both national and international competitions and takes pride in providing high-quality sporting experiences.

However, he noted that the state will be unable to provide facilities for five specific events in this year’s games: Deaf Sports, Beach Volleyball, Powerlifting, Baseball, and Softball. He explained that the inclusion of these events came too late for adequate preparations, and the state government prefers to avoid offering substandard facilities, which does not align with its standards.

In particular, he mentioned that the Beach Volleyball court, previously constructed by the government at St. Patrick’s College in Asaba, was destroyed due to an ongoing storm drainage project. Meanwhile, the infrastructure needed for the other four events cannot be completed in the remaining two weeks before the games begin. As such, Mr. Oborevwori appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to consider removing these events from the program.

Responding to these developments, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and  Chairman of the MOC, expressed appreciation to the Delta State government for its overall preparedness and quality of facilities.

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 Represented by Chief Amaka Ashiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Olopade acknowledged the improvements made but urged the state to ensure all scheduled events are accommodated.

He reminded the organizers that the eyes of the entire nation will be on Asaba in just over two weeks and noted that many states have invested heavily in preparing their athletes—including those in the excluded events. He called on Delta State to act swiftly and find solutions to accommodate all athletes.

Meanwhile,  Director of Sports for Zamfara State,  Nasiru Aliyu Bakura, commended Delta’s 95% readiness but emphasized the importance of fulfilling its full hosting obligations. He highlighted the vulnerability of the participating athletes—many of whom are minors—and stressed the need to avoid issues like lack of accommodation or the disappointment of cancelled events that could affect their development.

Earlier in the day, representatives from state sports councils—including directors, coaches, and association secretaries—conducted an inspection tour of the designated venues. Most teams agreed that significant improvements have been made since the 2024 edition, and Delta State appears largely ready to host.

Team Delta, the defending champions of the games, will be looking to extend their dominance, having won all eight previous editions since the NYG’s inception in 2013. This year marks the third of four consecutive editions awarded to Delta State by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development—now the National Sports Commission—back in 2022.

The build-up to the 2025 edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) has intensified, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) rolling out a comprehensive schedule of activities ahead of the highly anticipated event.

According to the NSC, this year’s Games will bring together the most promising young athletes from across Nigeria, providing a platform to showcase and nurture future sporting talent.

Organisers confirmed that all proposed facilities and venues in Delta State, the host of the Games, have successfully passed inspection tests carried out by various subcommittees of the organising team.

Registration for the Games will take place from August 16 to 20  while zonal elimination events are scheduled to hold between August 16 and 18 across the federation.

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Following this, the Pre-Delegation Registry Meeting (Pre-DRM) is set for August 19 and 20, with the main Delegation Registry Meeting (DRM) taking place from August 21 to 24.

The main tournament will then officially run from August 26 to September 6, 2025, as Delta State gets set to welcome the next generation of Nigerian sporting stars.

The National Youth Games continues to serve as a critical pipeline for identifying and developing elite athletes who go on to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon Lekan Fatodu, has assured that the state is ready to host a befitting 2026 National Youth Games.

It is understood that Lagos State was awarded the hosting right of the 2026 National Youth Games after losing the hosting right of the 2026 National Sports Festival to Enugu State.

The seasoned administrator commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for backing the hosting of the 2026 National Youth Games and his passion for youth and sports development in the state.

Speaking in a recent interview, Fatodu said the state will make the 2026 National Youth Games bigger than the National Sports Festival.

“We competed fiercely with Enugu State for the hosting of the 2026 National Sports Festival. But after losing the hosting right to Enugu State, we had to move to compete for the hosting of the National Youth Games 2026,” Fatodu said.

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He added: “Let me say that our Governor recently announced the state’s readiness to host next year’s national youth games, and we will be delighted to host thousands of Nigerian youths in our state next year.

“We are hosting the National Youth Games 2026, and we are going to host it and make it bigger than the National Sports Festival. That is the ground that we can identify and prepare our truly young athletes for the future of sports.’

Speaking of the infrastructural facilities to be used for the Games, he stated: “It is very important because without infrastructure, nothing is going to happen. So, we are dedicating efforts to ensuring that all those infrastructural facilities for sports are in proper shape before the competition.”

in the lower league while defeated Osun Babes will have to sit out another season in the NWFL Championship.

Ibom Angels will now prepare for life in the elite division knowing that the support of the State Governor Eno  will help galvanise a new dawn in the club. 

Ahead of the 8th National Youth Games, Delta State Government has said it is fully ready for a hitch-free hosting  ceremony of the event  holding today in Asaba.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu,  said as much after an inspection visit of various facilities for the competition, assuring that while the facilities, including competition venues, accommodation facilities and arrangement for transportation are satisfactory, the state has also placed high premium with adequate measures in place for the security and safety of participants.

The facilities visited include the main bowl, the three indoor sports halls, the swimming pool and the VVIP and VIP lounges at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, the Cenotaph, part of which has been turned to a sports centre with two volleyball and two handball courts, the ultra-modern hockey pitch and its adjoining sports hostel, and the hostel facilities at the Dennis Osadebey University which is expected to accommodate about 70 percent of the athletes.

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   While at the Dennis Osadebey University hostels, Dr.  Emu inspected the beddings, toilet facilities, electricity and water supply systems, and also took time to taste the food being provided for the athletes.

   “Delta is always ready,” he declared. “First of all, we have the facilities, very well put together facilities, and the maintenance is top notch. We have been to the hockey ground at Okpanam. We have had a tour of most of the activity places and I can boldly say that we are ready.”

He continued :“We can even start the competition today. I am here on account of His Excellency’s directive to, at least, take a cursory look at what they (the Local Organizing Committee) are doing and I am going to go back to him to tell him that we will make him proud.

   “We know that he will be coming here before that day but we will let him know that we are ready. Although we still have a few areas to touch up. Those are details which must come up but can be sorted out in 24 hours before the competition begins.”

   On Security, he said while Delta is safe, the government is taking extra measures to ensure greater safety of participants.

He noted: “Delta does not rank high in insecurity, but we recognize that there is widespread insecurity across the country. The police are part of the LOC and yesterday in my office we had a wide conversation with the Chairman of the LOC and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations and they are ‘dead’ ready to handle whatever challenges. 

  “We are also technologically ready because modern security is more of technology than physical. I can tell you that everywhere here is wired. I can tell you that we are ready and by the special grace of God we would not have any insecurity challenge. As man, we can say we are  95 or even 99 percent sure, but we are not God and by God’s grace, we would not have any incident that we cannot control.”

  He assured that athletes, officials and spectators at the games would have a wonderful time.

“Asaba has metamorphosed into a hospitality place. We have hosted too many international events. The Youth Games is huge but it is nothing compared to the major ones we have held in Africa.

  “As usual, the kids would have fun. I went round today and I can tell you that they themselves are marvelled at the kind of facilities we have. We have had to shut down some major institutions just to make sure that we can guarantee the comfort and safety of the kids. Well over 70 or 80 percent of them were accommodated at the Dennis Osadebey University which is an enclosed place. And their movement would come with a lot of security. The facilities are well policed. Infant Jesus can even be better, so we promise the athletes a good time throughout their stay.

  “Spectators who are coming in would have a good time at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park if they desire additional visitation and we have good hotels with Delta cuisines served in all of them, and of course Deltans are naturally a hospitable people. I can assure you that they would be fine here.”

  Dr Emu was accompanied on the inspection by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, the Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Festus Owhojero, Chairman of the Facilities Sub-Committee, Victor Onogagamue, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Harrison Ocholor, the Head of Operations, Media and Publicity, Hon. Fred Edoreh, and a number of other members of the LOC.